cathode-ray tube

noun

: a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected on a phosphor-coated screen to produce a luminous spot at a point on the screen determined by the effect on the electron beam of a variable magnetic field within the tube

Examples of cathode-ray tube in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beyond its resemblance to a cathode-ray tube television set, it is said to have functional benefits over open fire pits and camp stoves. — New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2025 Flat screen televisions didn’t enter the market until 1997, so the big, heavy cathode-ray tube set was the centerpiece of every living room. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026 His eponymous company manufactured cathode-ray tubes and in 1938 introduced one of the earliest electronic TV sets. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 July 2025 After Wally springs her from the Shaw's clutches, the group manages to lure the couple and some of their lackeys into the makeshift particle accelerator trap that former engineer Sam built out of old cathode-ray tube TVs. — Megan McCluskey, Time, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cathode-ray tube

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cathode-ray tube was in 1905

Rhymes for cathode-ray tube

See All Rhymes for cathode-ray tube

Browse Nearby Words

cathode-ray oscillograph
cathode-ray tube
cathode spot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cathode-ray tube.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cathode-ray%20tube. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cathode-ray tube

noun
: a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected upon a fluorescent screen and produces a glowing spot

Medical Definition

cathode-ray tube

noun
: a vacuum tube in which a beam of electrons is projected on a fluorescent screen to produce a luminous spot

More from Merriam-Webster on cathode-ray tube

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cathode-ray tube

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