cathode ray


noun

a flow of electrons emanating from a cathode in a vacuum tube and focused into a narrow beam.

Origin of cathode ray

First recorded in 1875–80

British Dictionary definitions for cathode rays

cathode rays

pl n

a stream of electrons emitted from the surface of a cathode in a valve

Medical definitions for cathode rays

cathode ray
[ kăthōd′ ]

n.

A stream of electrons emitted by the cathode in electrical discharge tubes.
One of the electrons that is emitted in a stream from a cathode-ray tube.

Scientific definitions for cathode rays

cathode ray

A beam of electrons streaming from the negatively charged end of a vacuum tube (the cathode) toward a positively charged plate (the anode).