anion

[ an-ahy-uhn ]

noun

, Physical Chemistry.

1. a negatively charged ion, as one attracted to the anode in electrolysis.
2. any negatively charged atom or group of atoms ( cation ).

anion

/ ˌænaɪˈɒnɪk; ˈænˌaɪən /

noun

1. a negatively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the anode during electrolysis Compare cation

anion

/ ăn′ī′ən /

1. An ion with net negative charge, having more electrons than protons. In electrolysis, anions migrate to a positively charged anode.
2. Compare cation

Derived Forms

• anionic, adjective

Other Words From

• an·i·on·ic [an-ahy-, on, -ik], adjective
• ani·oni·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anion¹

Coined in 1834 by English polymath Willaim Whewell (1794–1866) and popularized by English chemist Michael Faraday (1791–1867) in his collection Experimental Researches in Electricity; from Greek, neuter of aniṓn “going up,” present participle of aniénai “to go up,” from an- an- ³ + iénai “to go”; modeled on anode ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of anion¹

C19: from ana- + ion