ˈkaˌthōd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek kathodos way down, descent, from kata- cata- + hodos way; from the belief that the electric current passes from east to west — more at cede
1. : the electrode at which electrons enter a device from the external circuit — opposed to anode
2.
a. : the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell
b. : the positive terminal of a primary cell or of a storage battery that is delivering current
c. : the electron-emitting electrode (as a tungsten filament or an oxide-coated metal) of an electron tube