Definition
An electron tube containing six active elements: a cathode, an anode (plate), and four grids. The multiple grids allow the tube to perform mixing or frequency-conversion functions in radio receivers and other electronic equipment.
Plain English
A vacuum tube with six working parts inside. The extra internal elements let it combine or change radio signals, which is useful in older radio equipment.
Context Anchor
Seen in older aircraft radio, avionics, and electronics maintenance material, especially for vintage equipment.
Derivation
From the Greek 'hex' meaning six and '-ode' from 'electrode.' The name simply tells you how many electrodes are inside: six. Compare with diode (two), triode (three), tetrode (four), and pentode (five).
Why Pilots Care
Most modern pilots will not operate a hexode directly, but the term can appear when reading about or maintaining older aircraft radios and vintage avionics.
Intuition Check
Do not read “hexode” as a brand name or radio model. It names a type of electronic tube with six internal working parts.
Example Sentence 1
The old aircraft receiver used a hexode tube to mix the incoming radio signal with a local oscillator signal.
Example Sentence 2
Early aircraft communication sets relied on hexodes for both amplification and mixing functions.