[kat-ahy-uh
n, -on] 
| 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 ). |
n, prp. of kateînai), equiv. to kat- cat- + -i- go + -on neut. prp. suffix [kat-ahy-on-ik] , adjective | 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 (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. |