ionic

adjective ion·ic \ ī-ˈä-nik \

|Updated on: 15 Aug 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

This new discovery—that turbulence in superheated plasma takes place not only on an atomic scale, but also on a large ionic scale simultaneously—sheds a whole lot of light on the inner workings of prospective fusion reactors.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "New Development Could Help Solve Fusion Reactors' Most Mysterious Problem," 21 Jan. 2016
The ionic liquid in his fuel cell is goopy, 10 times more viscous than water.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018
To speed things up, MacFarlane and his colleagues are toying with their ionic liquids.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018
The ionic designer, who died at 40 by suicide on Feb. 11, 2010, built a fashion empire in the ’90s, and his designs continue to be celebrated by celebrities and fashion tastemakers alike.

— brittany talarico, PEOPLE.com, "Get an Exclusive First Look at the New Alexander McQueen Documentary," 3 July 2018
This new oral delivery features insulin-ionic liquid formation encapsulated in an acid-resistant enteric coating.

— fiza pirani, ajc, "These insulin pills could replace daily injections for diabetics, study says," 28 June 2018
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

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