ionic

adjective ion·ic \ ī-ˈä-nik \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Definition of ionic

1 : of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions

ionic gases

the ionic charge

2 : based on or functioning by means of ions

ionic conduction

—

ionicity

play \ˌī-ə-ˈni-sə-tē\ noun

See ionic defined for kids

Recent Examples of ionic from the Web

What’s the difference between a healthy ionic hair dryer and a damage control hair dryer?

— beverly beckham, BostonGlobe.com, "Google it? But I don’t want to," 18 May 2018
Another muscle design is made from stretchy, ionic conductors with a liquid pocket inside.

— National Geographic, "This Artificial Muscle Costs 10 Cents to Make. And It’s As Strong As an Elephant.," 5 Jan. 2018
Both are enhanced with ionic technology to keep the frizz factor low, and the shiny hair factor high.

— joane amay, Allure, "19 Gifts Anyone With Natural Hair Will Love," 11 Dec. 2017
Now's time for the opposite end of the spectrum: This professional-grade 2,300-watt ionic dryer costs a whopping $700.

— deena campbell, Allure, "The 16 Best Blow-Dryers Money Can Buy," 23 Oct. 2017
When the glass cools, this extra ionic volume compresses the material from the inside.

— The Economist, "One of the world’s oldest products faces the digital future," 12 Oct. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of ionic

ion + ¹-ic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1890

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Ionic

adjective Ion·ic \ ī-ˈä-nik \

Definition of Ionic

1 : of or relating to the ancient Greek architectural order distinguished especially by fluted columns on bases and scroll volutes in its capitals — see order illustration

2 : of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians

See Ionic defined for kids