anion

[ an-ahy-uhn ]

nounPhysical Chemistry.
  1. a negatively charged ion, as one attracted to the anode in electrolysis.

  2. any negatively charged atom or group of atoms (opposed to cation).

Origin of anion

1
Coined in 1834 by English polymath Willaim Whewell (1794–1866) and popularized by English chemist Michael Faraday (1791–1867) in his collection Experimental Researches in Electricity; from Greek, neuter of aniṓn “going up,” present participle of aniénai “to go up,” from an- an-3 + iénai “to go”; modeled on anode

Other words from anion

  • an·i·on·ic [an-ahy-on-ik], /ˌæn aɪˈɒn ɪk/, adjective
  • an·i·on·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby anion

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use anion in a sentence

  • It will be noticed that in neutralization the anion of the acid and the cation of the base are not changed.

  • The king repaired in state to the temple of anion, seized the priests who professed these seditious beliefs, and burnt them alive.

  • The Nile beyond surrounded an island, where flourished the well-kept sacred grove of anion.

    Uarda, Complete | Georg Ebers
  • In a few minutes the priest of anion and the chief of the kolchytes were being carried towards the valley in their litters.

    Uarda, Complete | Georg Ebers
  • In this the heart shall be preserved till a new ram offered by a worthy hand enters the herd of anion.

    Uarda, Complete | Georg Ebers

British Dictionary definitions for anion

anion

/ (ˈænˌaɪən) /


noun
  1. a negatively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the anode during electrolysis: Compare cation

Origin of anion

1
C19: from ana- + ion

Derived forms of anion

  • anionic (ˌænaɪˈɒnɪk), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for anion

anion

[ ănī′ən ]


  1. An ion with net negative charge, having more electrons than protons. In electrolysis, anions migrate to a positively charged anode. Compare cation.

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