ionic

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik 

1

: of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions

ionic gases

the ionic charge

2

: based on or functioning by means of ions

ionic conduction

ionicity

ˌī-ə-ˈni-sə-tē 

noun

Ionic

2 of 3

adjective (2)

Ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik 

1

: of or relating to the ancient Greek architectural order distinguished especially by fluted columns on bases and scroll volutes in its capitals see order illustration

2

: of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians

Ionic

3 of 3

noun

: a dialect of ancient Greek spoken especially in Ionia and the Cyclades

Examples of ionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This intelligent ionic hair dryer takes styling to the next level. —Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024

What’s the difference between ionic and ceramic hair dryers? —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Dec. 2024

Noun

Delta Children Ionic Breathe Crib and Toddler Mattress with Cloud Core Delta Children’s Ionic Breathe crib and toddler mattress offers a hypoallergenic, mildew-resistant, and non-toxic option featuring their breathable Cloud Core technology. —Alex Vance, Parents, 8 Aug. 2024

Though currently underdeveloped, this Balkan land is abundant in unspoiled nature, turquoise waters, and sandy beaches located across the Ionic and Adriatic seas. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

ion + -ic entry 1

Adjective (2)

Latin & Middle French; Middle French ionique, from Latin ionicus, from Greek iōnikos, from Iōnia Ionia

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ionic

• ionic bond

Kids Definition

ionic

1 of 2 adjective

ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik 

: of, relating to, or existing in the form of ions

Ionic

2 of 2 adjective

Ion·​ic

ī-ˈän-ik

: belonging to or resembling a style of Greek architecture characterized especially by decoration resembling scrolls in the capitals of its columns

Medical Definition

ionic

adjective

ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik 

1

: of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions

ionic gases

the ionic charge

2

: based on or functioning by means of ions

ionic conduction

ionically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb