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cation - 6 dictionary results

cat⋅i⋅on

[kat-ahy-uhn, -on]
–noun Physical Chemistry.
1. a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
2. any positively charged atom or group of atoms (opposed to anion ).
Also, kation.


Origin:
1825–35; < Gk katión going down (neut. of katin, prp. of kateînai), equiv. to kat- cat- + -i- go + -on neut. prp. suffix


cat⋅i⋅on⋅ic [kat-ahy-on-ik] , adjective
cat⋅i⋅on⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
cat·i·on   (kāt'ī'ən)   
n.  An ion or group of ions having a positive charge and characteristically moving toward the negative electrode in electrolysis.

[Greek kation, something going down, from neuter present participle of katienai, to go down : kat-, kata-, cata- + ienai, to go; see ei- in Indo-European roots.]
cat'i·on'ic (kāt'ī-ŏn'ĭk) adj.

Cation

Cat"i*on\, n. [Gr. ? downward + ? going, p. pr. of ? to go.] (Chem.) An electro-positive substance, which in electro-decomposition is evolved at the cathode; -- opposed to anion. --Faraday.

Main Entry: cat·ion
Pronunciation: 'kat-"I-&n
Function: noun
: the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the cathode; broadly : a positively charged ion

cation cat·i·on (kāt'ī'ən)
n.
An ion or group of ions having a positive charge and characteristically moving toward the negative electrode in electrolysis.

cation   (kāt'ī'ən)  Pronunciation Key 
An ion with net positive charge, having more protons than electrons. In electrolysis, cations migrate to a negatively charged cathode. Compare anion.
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