a cathode from which electrons are emitted at ambient temperature, due to a high potential gradient at the surface
cold cathode in American English
noun
Electronics
a cathode, in an electron tube (cold-cathode tube) or lamp, that emits electrons without having to be heated
Word origin
[1925–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1925–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: buildup, gimmick, payload, recycle, runout