Anode

/ˈænəʊd/

nounIntermediate📊CommonScience
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

The positive electrode of an electrochemical cell, to which anions migrate and at which oxidation occurs.

/ˈænəʊd/

nounneutralIntermediate
Science

Positive electrode in an electrochemical cell

The anode is where oxidation takes place.

💡 Simply: The positive end of a battery or similar device.

More Examples

2

Current flows from the cathode to the anode.

How It's Used

Chemistry

"Electrons flow from the cathode to the anode in a galvanic cell."

Physics

"The anode attracts negatively charged particles."

From Greek ἄνοδος (ánodos), from ἀνά (aná, "up") + ὁδός (hodós, "way"), literally "the way up". Named because in electrolysis, positive ions move toward it.

The term's usage aligns with the development of electrochemistry in the 19th century.

Memory tip

Anode: 'A' for 'Attracts' negative ions (anions).

Word Origin

LanguageGreek
Original meaning

"upward way"

anode materialanode currentanode reaction

Common misspellings

annodeanod

Usage

10%Spoken
90%Written