[cath.ode] n [Gk kathodos way down, fr. kata- + hodos way] (1834) 1: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: a: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell b: the positive terminal of a galvanic cell
2: the electron-emitting electrode of an electron tube--compare anode -- cath.od.al adj -- cath.od.al.ly adv -- ca.thod.ic adj -- ca.thod.i.cal.ly adv