nonionic

adjective

non·​ion·​ic ˌnän-(ˌ)ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce nonionic (audio)
: not ionic
especially : not dependent on a surface-active anion for effect
nonionic surfactants

Examples of nonionic 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.
NBS Corning Corning, New York NBS – as in nonbinding surface – is a nonionic hydrophilic polymer coating that prevents traces of proteins, DNA, or drug compounds from sticking to test tubes or assay plates. David Pescovitz, WIRED, 1 Jan. 2001

Word History

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonionic was in 1929

Cite this Entry

“Nonionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonionic. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

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