cationic

adjective

cat·​ion·​ic ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce cationic (audio)
ˌka-(ˌ)tī-
1
: of, relating to, or being a cation
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
cationically adverb

Examples of cationic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web To put it simply, conditioner is a conditioning or moisturizing agent generally made up of ingredients such as silicones, oils, and emollients, as well as cationic surfactants (the scientific term for soaps or detergents, which help to wash away the oily elements). Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 25 Sep. 2023 It was soon largely replaced by electroporation, cationic lipids, viral capsids, and microinjection. Juergen Eckhardt and George Church, STAT, 1 Feb. 2023 The array was formed by 21 ISEs combining both cationic and anionic sensors with others with generic response. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2014 The ionizable cationic lipid is the linchpin of a nanoparticle. Christopher Rowland, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2021 Of the four lipids that make up the protective droplet, the ionizable cationic lipid is the one needed in the highest volume and is subject to restrictive patents held by Acuitas and a few other companies. Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cationic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cationic was circa 1920

Dictionary Entries Near cationic

Cite this Entry

“Cationic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cationic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cationic

adjective
cat·​ion·​ic ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce cationic (audio)
1
: of or relating to cations
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
cationically adverb
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