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cat dirt

a. Derb. A hard fireclay.
b. Derb. Coal mixed with pyrite.

catear

Sp. To search for new mines; to prospect. Hess

catenary suspension

The overhead suspension of contact wire for electric traction by vertical
links of different lengths connected to a catenary wire above it. The
contact wire will thus be maintained at a constant height. Hammond

caterpillar

An endless chain of plates that functions as a wheel for heavy vehicles.
See also:crawler track

caterpillar chain

A short endless chain on which dogs or teeth are spaced to mesh with and
move or be moved by a conveyor chain.

caterpillar chain dog

A dog or tooth attached to a "caterpillar chain" to provide the driving
contact with the conveyor chain.

caterpillar drive

A drive equipped with a "caterpillar chain" that engages and propels the
"conveyor chain."

catfaced block

In New York and Pennsylvania, a bluestone quarryman's term for a mass of
waste situated between two closely spaced open joints.

cathead sheave

A sheave set on the topmost part of a pile frame. Hammond

cathode

The electrode where electrons enter, or current leaves, an operating
system, such as a battery, an electrolytic cell, an X-ray tube, or a
vacuum tube. In the first of these, the cathode is positive; in the other
three, negative. In a battery or electrolytic cell, it is the electrode
where reduction occurs. Opposite of anode. See also:electrode
ASM, 1

cathode compartment

In an electrolytic cell, the enclosure formed by a diaphragm around the
cathode. ASM, 1

cathode copper

Electrolytically refined copper that has been deposited on the cathode of
an electrolytic bath of acidified copper sulfate solution. Such copper is
usually remelted in a furnace before being marketed as electrolytic
copper. Camm

cathode efficiency

Current efficiency at a cathode. ASM, 1

cathode film

The portion of a solution in immediate contact with the cathode during
electrolysis. ASM, 1

cathodic corrosion

Corrosion of the cathodic member of a galvanic couple resulting from the
flow of current.

cathole

A local term used in southern Michigan for a shallow boggy depression less
than 1 acre (0.4 ha) in extent, esp. one formed by a glacier in a till
plain. AGI

catholyte

The electrolyte adjacent to the cathode in an electrolytic cell.
ASM, 1

cation

a. An ion having a positive charge. Hurlbut
b. Any positive ion; named for its attraction to the cathode or negative
terminal of an electrolytic cell. CF:anion

cation exchange

The displacement of a cation bound to a site on the surface of a solid,
such as in silica-alumina clay-mineral packets, by a cation in solution.
Syn:base exchange

cationic collector

In flotation, an amine or related organic compound capable of producing
positively charged hydrocarbon-bearing ions (hence the name cationic
collector) for the purpose of floating miscellaneous minerals, including
silicates. Gaudin, 2

cationic detergent

A detergent in which the cation is the active part. ASM, 1