cation

American  

[kat-ahy-uhn, -on] / ˈkætˌaɪ ən, -ɒn /

Or kation

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 ).

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cation British  

/ ˈkætaɪən, ˌkætaɪˈɒnɪk /

noun

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

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cation Scientific  

/ kăt′ī′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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Other Word Forms

• cationic adjective
• cationically adverb

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

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily

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

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

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily

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.

From Science Daily