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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
Examples of hydrogen ion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Mitochondria naturally have fewer hydrogen ions in their inner matrix than near their outer edge.
—Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024
The beads absorb lithium in exchange for a hydrogen ion.
—IEEE Spectrum, 31 Oct. 2023
In the reaction, a molecule of hydrogen gas collides with one deuterium ion to produce a hydrogen ion and a heavy, deuterium-containing hydrogen molecule.
—Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2023
After waiting for about 15 minutes, the scientists measured how many hydrogen ions had been produced to find the reaction rate.
—Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2023
Excess electrons at the cathode stitch pairs of hydrogen ions into hydrogen gas (H2), which bubbles out of the water.
—Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 15 Mar. 2023
Acid from citrus increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, which results in the pectin molecules losing some charge.
—Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2015
The first product of that reaction is a compound called carbonic acid, which soon gives up its hydrogen ion.
—WIRED, 2 Nov. 2022
At this point, lactate can’t grab its hydrogen ion to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the muscle cell.
—Jeff Gaudette, Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrogen ion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near hydrogen ion
Cite this Entry
“Hydrogen ion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20ion. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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
noun1
: the cation H+ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid
2
More from Merriam-Webster on hydrogen ion
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hydrogen ion
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