ion

1 of 3

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

2

: a charged subatomic particle (such as a free electron)

Ion

2 of 3

abbreviation

Ionic

-ion

3 of 3

noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Examples of ion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During these storms, ions collide with atmospheric gases, releasing energy that manifests as light. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 30 Dec. 2024

This rig gave the twins 175 pounds of thrust, pumped out by a 5.8 kWh lithium ion pouch cell battery, which ran for 35 minutes in the air. —Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 30 Dec. 2024

Ion-selective membranes separate the salt and water into their constituent ions based on their charge, forming acid (hydrochloric acid) and base (sodium hydroxide) streams. —IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2024

The hazardous materials that were being carried on the train included lithium ion batteries and air bags, but none were released in the derailment, city officials said. —arkansasonline.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek, neuter of iōn, present participle of ienai to go — more at issue entry 1

Noun suffix

French -ion, from Latin -ion-, -io

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ion

• hydrogen ion
• ion channel
• ion engine
• ion exchange
• ion exchange resin
• lithium-ion battery

Kids Definition

ion

1 of 2 noun

ˈī-ən 

ˈī-ˌän

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

-ion

2 of 2 noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -ion (suffix) "act or process"

Medical Definition

ion

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons see anion, cation

2

: a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)