cation
Americannoun
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a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
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any positively charged atom or group of atoms (opposed to anion).
noun
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An ion with net positive charge, having more protons than electrons. In electrolysis, cations migrate to a negatively charged cathode.
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Compare anion
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cation
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
Explanation
In science, a cation is an ion, or charged particle, with a positive charge. In other words, a cation has more protons than electrons. If you come across the word ion in a chemistry or physics class, cation and anion won't be far behind. An ion is a particle that has an electrical charge. When an ion's charge is negative, it's more specifically called an anion, and when it's positive, you can use the term cation. The Greek source is kation, which means "going down."
Vocabulary lists containing cation
Break It Down: Cata
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Structure and Properties of Matter - Middle School
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Chemistry: Structure and Properties of Matter
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ribosomes are dependent upon magnesium ions since this metal cation helps stabilize their structure and function.
From Science Daily • Nov. 16, 2024
He recommends treating the issue at the water point of entry to the home with cation exchange resin, a type of ion exchange.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 22, 2024
The examination revealed that the introduction of three metal cations into the transition metal layer fortified the bonds between nickel and oxygen atoms, thereby curbing cation mixing and enhancing structural stability.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2024
In this research, the team developed a deep learning AI technique to quantitatively analyze cation mixing using atomic structure images.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2024
Both contain iron, it is true, but neither possess the properties of the cation Fe+++, but rather those of the complex anion of which they form a part.
From The Mechanism of Life by Leduc, Stéphane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
