ion

1 of 3

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

2

: a charged subatomic particle (such as a free electron)

Ion

2 of 3

abbreviation

Ionic

-ion

3 of 3

noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Examples of ion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The material forms the anode, where lithium ions are stored while the battery charges. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

But whenever the mission lifts off, Drew said SPARK has a good chance of doing well on Titan with its novel ion (electric) thrusters. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026

So don’t be surprised if the iPhone Fold is powered by a traditional lithium-ion cell, which will likely be smaller than the Fold 8. — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

After securing Swift in its grasp, LINK will carefully fire its three ion thrusters, aiming to boost the observatory back to its original orbit over the course of two to three months. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Greek, neuter of iōn, present participle of ienai to go — more at issue entry 1

Noun suffix

French -ion, from Latin -ion-, -io

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ion

• hydrogen ion
• ion channel
• ion engine
• ion exchange
• ion exchange resin
• lithium-ion battery

Rhymes for ion

• amphitryon
• dandelion
• herodian
• hawaiian
• ixion
• mauryan
• orion
• procyon
• visayan
• heian
• lion
• mayan

Kids Definition

ion

1 of 2 noun

ˈī-ən 

ˈī-ˌän

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons

-ion

2 of 2 noun suffix

1

a

: act or process

validation

b

: result of an act or process

regulation

2

: state or condition

hydration

Etymology

Noun suffix

derived from Latin -ion (suffix) "act or process"

Medical Definition

ion

noun

ˈī-ən  ˈī-ˌän 

1

: an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons see anion, cation

2

: a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)