# anode

/ˈæˌnoʊd/ (US) · /ˈænəʊd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anode
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. electrical terminal

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the part of a battery or electronic component where electricity flows in.

For teachers: the electrode of a device through which positive electric current flows inwards, corresponding to the terminal where electrons flow out.

- In this experiment, the copper wire is connected to the anode of the battery.
- The technician carefully inspected the anode for signs of corrosion, as any buildup would impede the flow of current through the circuit.

Usage: Usually functions as a countable noun in scientific descriptions.

### 2. chemistry/oxidation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the part of a chemical cell where a metal loses electrons and might slowly wear away.

For teachers: the electrode at which oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell, often resulting in the erosion of the metal electrode.

- The zinc anode slowly dissolved as the chemical reaction powered the light.
- During electrolysis, anions migrate toward the anode where they lose electrons and undergo chemical oxidation.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse anode and cathode; remember that 'anode' and 'oxidation' both start with vowels.

## Examples

- The battery has a small metal anode.
- In a lithium-ion battery, the anode is made of graphite to store the lithium ions during charging.
- The efficiency of the electrochemical cell depends heavily on the material composition of the anode, as it determines how easily electrons can be released into the circuit.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.