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).

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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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.