cation

or kat·i·on

[ kat-ahy-uhn, -on ]

/ ˈkætˌaɪ ən, -ɒn /

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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).

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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

[ 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.