An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An electronic component with two active terminals, an → anode and a → cathode, through which current passes in one direction (from anode to cathode) and is blocked in the opposite direction. Diodes have many uses, including conversion of → alternating current to → direct current, regulation of votage, and the decoding of audio-frequency signals from radio signals.

See also: → di- “two, twice, double,” + hodos “way.”