anion

noun an·ion \ ˈa-ˌnī-ən \

|Updated on: 30 Apr 2018

Definition of anion

: the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the anode; broadly : a negatively charged ion

Recent Examples of anion from the Web

Being an anion, meanwhile, means that the sulfidic molecules have negative charges.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Sulfuric Volcanoes May Have Quickened Life on Earth," 9 Apr. 2018
These carbon chain anions are akin to Legos that can be pieced together into larger molecules, reports Meghan Bartels for Mic.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Potential Ingredients for Life Found on Saturn’s Moon Titan," 31 July 2017
This molecule, called a carbon chain anion, appears to be a catalyst for complicated chemical reactions, said lead author Ravi Desai.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "This weird moon of Saturn has some essential ingredients for life," 9 Aug. 2017
This molecule, called a carbon chain anion, appears to be a catalyst for complicated chemical reactions, said lead author Ravi Desai.

— OrlandoSentinel.com, "This weird moon of Saturn has some essential ingredients for life," 9 Aug. 2017
This molecule, called a carbon chain anion, appears to be a catalyst for complicated chemical reactions, said lead author Ravi Desai.

— sarah kaplan, chicagotribune.com, "Saturn moon contains some essential ingredients for life," 8 Aug. 2017
These carbon chain anions are akin to Legos that can be pieced together into larger molecules, reports Meghan Bartels for Mic.

— ben panko, Smithsonian, "Potential Ingredients for Life Found on Saturn’s Moon Titan," 28 July 2017
The anions and hydrogen are thrown back into the ocean, harmless.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "This Drone Battery for Submarines Drinks Seawater," 19 June 2017
The cathode splits the sea water into hydroxide anions and hydrogen gas, which releases electrodes.

— david grossman, Popular Mechanics, "This Drone Battery for Submarines Drinks Seawater," 19 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of anion

Greek, neuter of aniōn, present participle of anienai to go up, from ana- + ienai to go — more at issue

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First Known Use: 1834

in the meaning defined above

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anion

noun an·ion \ ˈan-ˌī-ən \

medical Definition of anion

: the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the anode; broadly : a negatively charged ion

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anion

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