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

Some ions do also strike the rear spectrometer, but much fewer and at a lower speed. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 10 May 2025

Due to recent incidents where lithium ion batteries have exploded or caused damage, the TSA has reportedly updated its guidance and prohibits the chargers from being checked in bags. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2025

Loading your audio article A garbage truck caught on fire in North Haven last week when a lithium ion battery exploded, sending the driver to the hospital with burn injuries. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 5 May 2025

Inside each of the mission's four thrusters, an electromagnetic field ionizes the xenon gas before expelling the ions to produce thrust. —ArsTechnica, 1 May 2025

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

Rhymes for ion

• amphitryon
• dandelion
• hawaiian
• ixion
• orion
• procyon
• visayan
• heian
• lion
• mayan
• scion

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)