NYT Dictionary

ANODE

/ˈæn.oʊd/
NounAN-odean-ode · 2 syllablesGrade 10

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025

Meaning

An electrode, of a cell or other electrically polarized device, through which a positive current of electricity flows inwards (and thus, electrons flow outwards). It can have either a positive or a negative voltage with respect to cathode of the same polarized device (depending on whether the device is a load or a source, respectively).

Etymology

Origin: Ancient Greek

From Ancient Greek ἀνα- (ana-, “up”) and ὁδός (hodós, “path”), forming the New Greek compound ἄνοδος (ánodos). Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who introduced it later that year. By surface analysis, an- (“up, forward, away”) + -ode (“way”).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

componentdevicegeneratorpartsrelaytube

Antonyms

cathode

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 3 recorded puzzles:

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