électrode
/e.lɛk.tʁɔd/feminine
The English phrase electrode is translated into French as électrode.
The term refers to the terminal through which electric current passes.
Meaning: the terminal through which electric current passes (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France and some French-speaking African countries, Électrode de soudure is used to refer to a welding electrode.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /e.lɛk.tʁɔd/.
Did you know?
- The French word électrode is a direct loanword from English, which is unusual for a language that often creates its own technical terms to avoid Anglicisms.
- In French chemistry, the électrode is often paired with the term électrolyte, and together they form the basis of the pile, which is the common French word for a battery.
- French speakers use the word électrode in the context of électro-convulsivothérapie, a complex term for ECT that replaces the simpler English 'shock therapy'.
Examples in context
- Les chercheurs ont utilisé une électrode de mesure pour enregistrer les données.The researchers used a measuring electrode to record the data.
- Tu as besoin d'une électrode électrique pour réparer ce circuit.You need an electric electrode to fix this circuit.
- Chez le dentiste, ils utilisent souvent des électrodes lors des traitements.At the dentist, they often use electrodes during treatments.
- J'ai acheté les électrodes de soudure pour commencer le projet de construction.I bought the welding electrodes to start the construction project.
- L'électrode est cassée.The electrode is broken.
- Il faut nettoyer chaque électrode.Each electrode must be cleaned.
- L'électrode transmet le courant.The electrode transmits the current.
Example conversation
Two students are working in a science laboratory.
- ChloéGabriel, as-tu trouvé l'électrode ?Gabriel, did you find the electrode?
- GabrielOui, elle est sur la table.Yes, it is on the table.
- ChloéParfait, branche l'électrode maintenant.Perfect, connect the electrode now.
- GabrielC'est fait, le courant passe.It's done, the current is flowing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “electrode” translations and entries électrode, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries électrode, CC BY-SA 4.0.
