what is an electrode

An electrode is an electrical conductor used to make contact with a nonmetallic part of a circuit, such as a semiconductor, an electrolyte, a vacuum, or air. It is a vital component of various systems, including batteries and electrochemical cells. Electrodes can be classified as either anodes or cathodes, depending on the type of chemical reaction that occurs. An anode is where oxidation takes place, while a cathode is where reduction takes place. The distinction between anodes and cathodes is essential for understanding electron flow in a circuit or cell