# electrode

/ˌɪˈɫɛktɹoʊd/ (US) · /ɪlˈɛktɹəʊd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. electrical terminal

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a part of an electrical circuit that lets current flow into or out of a liquid, gas, or another material.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. medical sensor

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small pad placed on the skin to measure electrical signals from the heart or brain.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The doctor attached an electrode to my chest.
- Researchers placed a gold electrode into the solution to measure the change in voltage during the experiment.
- The efficiency of the fuel cell depends heavily on the surface area of the electrode, as a larger area allows for more frequent chemical interactions.

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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.