This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
cation
or kat·i·on
[ kat-ahy-uhn, -on ]
/ ˈkætˌaɪ ən, -ɒn /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Physical Chemistry.
a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
any positively charged atom or group of atoms (opposed to anion).
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of cation
1825–35; <Greek katión going down (neuter of katiṓn, present participle of kateînai ), equivalent to kat- cat- + -i- go + -on neuter present participle suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM cation
cat·i·on·ic [kat-ahy-on-ik], /ˌkæt aɪˈɒn ɪk/, adjectivecat·i·on·i·cal·ly, adverbWords nearby cation
catholicus, cathouse, Cathy, Catilinarian, Catiline, cation, cation exchange, cationic detergent, catkin, catlike, Catlin
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use cation in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for cation
cation
/ (ˈkætaɪən) /
noun
a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysisCompare anion
Derived forms of cation
cationic (ˌkætaɪˈɒnɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for cation
C19: from cata- + ion
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
Scientific definitions for cation
cation
[ kăt′ī′ən ]
An ion with net positive charge, having more protons than electrons. In electrolysis, cations migrate to a negatively charged cathode. Compare anion.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.