Word
electrode
Phoneticselec·trode
US/ˌɪˈɫɛktɹoʊd/
UK/ɪlˈɛktɹəʊd/
Definitions
01electrical terminal
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a part of an electrical circuit that lets current flow into or out of a liquid, gas, or another material.
n. the terminal through which electric current passes between metallic and nonmetallic parts of a circuit, such as an electrolyte or a vacuum.
“The scientist placed a copper electrode into the liquid to start the experiment.”
“During the process of electrolysis, ions are attracted to the oppositely charged electrode, resulting in a chemical change at the surface.”
Usage
Often used in pairs, specifically referred to as an anode or a cathode depending on the direction of current flow.
02medical sensor
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Technical
n. a small pad placed on the skin to measure electrical signals from the heart or brain.
n. a specialized sensor used to detect and record electrical activity within the body for diagnostic purposes.
“The nurse attached several electrodes to the patient's chest to check his heart rhythm.”
“The technician carefully positioned the electrodes on the scalp to ensure a clear reading of the patient's brainwave patterns during the sleep study.”
Teaching tip
In a medical context, students may hear these referred to as 'leads', though 'electrode' is the technically accurate term for the physical contact point.
Real-World Examples
“The sodium-based material pulled sodium from the water, while a graphite electrode removed chloride.” “Through various LCAs examining global warming potential, critical material use and toxicity in detail, they found that electrodes were almost single-handedly driving the impacts for glucose monitoring patches.” Etymology
Coined by British scientist Michael Faraday in 1833, first used in his Diary (laboratory notebook) from the Ancient Greek words ἤλεκτρον (ḗlektron, “amber”) (from which the word electricity is derived) and ὁδός (hodós, “way”). By surface analysis, electro- + -ode
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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