Cathode - Definition and Overview

The electrode of an electrochemical cell at which reduction occurs is referred to as the cathode (from the Greek word κάθοδος = 'going down'). In an electrolytic cell the cathode is negatively charged and in a galvanic cell the cathode is positively charged. The oppositely charged electrode in that same cell is referred to as the anode.

See also

• Battery
• Oxidation-reduction
• Electron tube
• Electrolysis