'electrode' originates from New Latin/modern scientific coinage, specifically the Greek elements 'ēlektron' and 'hodos', where 'ēlektron' meant 'amber' (later associated with 'electricity') and 'hodos' meant 'way'.

'electrode' was coined in the early 19th century (via French 'électrode') by combining the form 'electro-' with the suffix '-ode' and entered scientific English to denote a conductor or terminal for electric current.

Initially it meant 'a path or way for electricity', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a conductor or terminal providing electrical contact'.