Dictionary.com

cation

or kat·i·on

[ kat-ahy-uhn, -on ]
/ ˈkætˌaɪ ən, -ɒn /
Save This Word!

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
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

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, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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), adjective

Word 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
[ kătī′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.
FEEDBACK