ˈkæθəud n. (also kathode) Electr. 1
the negative electrode in an electrolytic
cell or
electronic valve or
tube. 2 the
positive terminal of a
primary cell
such as a
battery (opp. ANODE). øcathode ray a
beam of electrons emitted
from the cathode of a high-vacuum tube. cathode-ray tube a high-vacuum tube in
which cathode rays
produce a
luminous image on a
fluorescent screen. °Abbr.:
CRT. øøcathodal adj. cathodic adj. [Gk kathodos
descent f. kata down + hodos way]