1834, from Gk. cathodos "a way down," from kata- "down" + hodos "way" (see cede). Cathode ray first attested 1880, but the phenomenon known from 1859; cathode ray tube is from 1905.
Main Entry: cath·ode Pronunciation: 'kath-"Od Function: noun 1: the electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs: as a: the negative terminal of an electrolytic cell b: the positive terminal of a storage battery that is delivering current 2: theelectron-emitting electrode of an electron tube —compare ANODE