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cation

or kat·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 ( anion ).


cation

/ ˈkætaɪən; ˌkætaɪˈɒnɪk /

noun

  1. a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysis Compare anion
“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

cation

/ kătī′ən /

  1. An ion with net positive charge, having more protons than electrons. In electrolysis, cations migrate to a negatively charged cathode.
  2. Compare anion
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Derived Forms

  • cationic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • cat·i·on·ic [kat-ahy-, on, -ik], adjective
  • cati·oni·cal·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cation1

1825–35; < Greek katión going down (neuter of katiṓn, present participle of kateînai ), equivalent to kat- cat- ( def ) + -i- go + -on neuter present participle suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of cation1

C19: from cata- + ion
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Example Sentences

Ribosomes are dependent upon magnesium ions since this metal cation helps stabilize their structure and function.

He recommends treating the issue at the water point of entry to the home with cation exchange resin, a type of ion exchange.

Their analysis revealed the persistence of halogen bonds between the cation and the anion guiding the sequential dynamics.

The researchers found that with no voltage applied there was no charge generated by the flow of cations -- positively charged ions -- because they were attracted to the negatively charged membrane surface.

This effect was confirmed through ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed the migration pathways of protons near the Sc cation when transporting across the material.

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Catilinecationic detergent