Why is the electron emitter called the cathode in a cathode ray tube?

[marcmcgee]

From my current understanding, a cathode is an electrode which has conventional current flowing OUT of it (or electrons flowing INTO it) while an anode had conventional current flowing INTO it (or electrons flowing OUT of it). From this definition, I don't understand why the electrode which emits cathode rays (which I understand to be streams of electrons) in a Cathode Ray Tube is classified at the cathode. Why is it classified as the cathode if it allows electrons to from it to the other electrode?

Cheers,
Marc

 

[256bits]

Cathode and anode refer not to conventional current flow but to the function of the device.

Electrons are flowing out of the cathode.

 

[marcmcgee]

Thanks for the reply, appreciate it.