Definition
The positive electrode of a chemical cell during discharge. It is the terminal toward which negative ions move inside the cell and from which conventional current flows out into the external circuit when the cell is delivering power.
Plain English
The positive terminal of a battery cell when the battery is being used to power something. It is one of the two metal contacts inside the cell where the chemical reaction takes place.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft battery, electrical system, and basic electricity discussions.
Derivation
From Greek 'anodos', meaning 'a way up' (ana = up, hodos = way). Early scientists pictured electric current rising up into the cell through this terminal, which is how the name stuck.
Why Pilots Care
Knowing which terminal is the anode matters when servicing batteries, connecting jumper cables, or troubleshooting electrical faults. Reversing polarity can damage avionics and create a fire risk.
Grounding Statement
Picture one battery cell powering a circuit: the anode is the side the electrons leave from as the cell delivers power.
Intuition Check
Do not assume anode always means positive. In a chemical cell that is supplying power, the anode is the negative electrode.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic checked the anode of each cell in the aircraft battery for corrosion before reinstalling it.
Example Sentence 2
Reversing the anode and cathode leads during battery installation would damage the aircraft electrical system.