anionic

adjective

an·​ion·​ic ˌa-(ˌ)nī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce anionic (audio)
1
: of or relating to anions
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active anion

Examples of anionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In these surfactants, the hydrophilic end may simultaneously carry both anionic and cationic hydrophilic groups depending on ambient conditions such as pH (a scale of acid to base). Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025 The array was formed by 21 ISEs combining both cationic and anionic sensors with others with generic response. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2014 The cationic molecules in this detergent work to pull out the anionic sweat and bacteria particles in our clothes like a magnet. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 11 Sep. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anionic was in 1903

Cite this Entry

“Anionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anionic. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

anionic

adjective
an·​ion·​ic ˌan-(ˌ)ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce anionic (audio)
1
: of or relating to anions
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active anion
anionically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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