An anode is an electrode through which electric current flows into a device, such as a battery or an electrolytic cell. In electrochemical reactions, it is the site where oxidation occurs, meaning that electrons are released from the material at the anode. This process is essential for generating electrical energy in various applications. In a battery, the anode is typically made of materials like graphite or lithium, depending on the type of battery, such as lithium-ion or alkaline. During discharge, the anode loses electrons, which travel through an external circuit to the cathode, where reduction takes place. This flow of electrons is what powers electronic devices.