hydrogen ion

noun

1

: the cation H⁺ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid

2

: hydronium

Examples of hydrogen ion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The lower this number is, the more hydrogen ions there are and the more acidic the environment is. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024

Antacids contain earth metals, including calcium, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum, that react with hydrogen ions to help neutralize stomach acid. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 2 July 2024

However, the collected samples showed less hydrogen ions than usual, making the rain more basic than expected. —Kasha Patel, Washington Post, 19 June 2024

When this happens, hydrogen ions escape into space, leaving Venus without the hydrogen, one of the two compounds needed for water. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hydrogen ion

noun

: the positive ion of acids that consists of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the negative ion of the acid

Medical Definition

hydrogen ion

noun

1

: the cation H⁺ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid

2

: hydronium