English Explanatory Dictionary

cation

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A positively charged ion: one that would be attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.

Pronunciation

kătʹ-ī-ən /ˈkætˌaɪ.ən/ /ˈkætˌaɪ.ɑn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-cation.wav

Word forms

cation cations kation

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek κᾰτῐόν (kătĭón), neuter present participle of κᾰ́τειμῐ (kắteimĭ, “to go down, come down”), from κᾰτᾰ- (kătă-, “downwards, down, cata-”) + εἶμῐ (eîmĭ, “to go, come”). Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who introduced it later that year. By surface analysis, cat(a)- + ion.

Antonyms

anion

Derived words

bication borocation carbocation cation exchange cationic cationization cationize cationoid cationotropic cationotropy cation-π countercation dication hexacation monocation organocation pentacation polycation radical cation supercation tetracation trication
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