ion

1 of 3

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

2

: a charged subatomic particle (such as a free electron)

Ion

2 of 3

abbreviation

Ionic

-ion

3 of 3

noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Examples of ion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The advance could help push battery energy density far beyond the limits of current lithium-ion systems used in most commercial drones. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026

The fire's cause is still being investigated, but officials believe a lithium ion battery started it. —Anthony Bettin, CBS News, 12 May 2026

The idea works because copper releases small amounts of ions into the water. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 12 May 2026

Think of a standard lithium-ion battery as a sponge soaked in a flammable liquid – that liquid is the electrolyte, the medium that lets ions travel between the two electrodes during charging and discharging. —Omar Kardoudi may 08, New Atlas, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek, neuter of iōn, present participle of ienai to go — more at issue entry 1

Noun suffix

French -ion, from Latin -ion-, -io

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ion

• hydrogen ion
• ion channel
• ion engine
• ion exchange
• ion exchange resin
• lithium-ion battery

Rhymes for ion

• amphitryon
• dandelion
• herodian
• hawaiian
• ixion
• mauryan
• orion
• procyon
• visayan
• heian
• lion
• mayan

Kids Definition

ion

1 of 2 noun

ˈī-ən 

ˈī-ˌän

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

-ion

2 of 2 noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -ion (suffix) "act or process"

Medical Definition

ion

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons see anion, cation

2

: a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)