electrode

noun

elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
1
: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit
2
: an element in a semiconductor device (such as a transistor) that emits or collects electrons or holes or controls their movements

Examples of electrode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Better yet, the copper deposited on the electrode achieved a 96 percent purity rating relative to nickel. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 In 1912, the French physicist Conrad Schlumberger could be found kneeling on the ground of his family’s estate in Normandy, strategically placing wired electrodes in the soil. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 24 July 2026 What comes next for paint-on health sensors The team plans to keep developing the electrodes. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026 According to Vinmec, its robotic surgery capabilities have been applied in complex neurological procedures, including surgical planning and electrode-placement workflows that combine robotic guidance with stereo-electroencephalography, or SEEG. — Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for electrode

Word History

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrode was in 1833

Phrases Containing electrode

Rhymes for electrode

See All Rhymes for electrode

Browse Nearby Words

electrocutor trap
electrode
electrodecantation
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Cite this Entry

“Electrode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrode. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

electrode

noun
elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
: a conductor (as a metal or carbon) used to make electrical contact with a part of an electrical circuit that is not metallic

Medical Definition

electrode

noun
elec·​trode i-ˈlek-ˌtrōd How to pronounce electrode (audio)
: a conductor used to establish electrical contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit

More from Merriam-Webster on electrode

Nglish: Translation of electrode for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrode

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