rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryelectrodeElectrical conductor
noun

electrode

ih-LEK-trohd/ɪˈlektrəʊd/

A conductor through which electric current enters or leaves a medium.

Two electrodes carry current into the liquid.

A simple working electrolysis setup makes the electrodes visible: two graphite rods dip into clear liquid, each connected by a wire to a battery, with bubbles forming directly on the submerged rod surfaces.
Etymology
electrEnglishelectricity
+odeGreekway, path

The pieces suggest an electrical path. That image fits an electrode's role as the conductor through which current enters or leaves a device.

In context

CrashCourse3:13
They have three wires: two electrodes and one control wire. When you apply electricity to the control wire, it lets current flow through from one electrode, through the transistor, to the other electrode.
Boolean Logic & Logic Gates: Crash Course Computer Science #3

More examples

  • She attached the electrode to the circuit.
  • The instrument uses two electrodes.
  • A damaged electrode interrupted the measurement.

Forms

electrode · electrodes

Similar words

conductor
A conductor carries current; an electrode is the conducting part at an interface with another medium.
terminal
A terminal is a connection point; an electrode specifically transfers current into or out of a medium.