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

Example Sentences

Nickel, cobalt, and manganese enter the solution, where they are bound into stable complexes by the citric acid anions.

From Science Daily

Their analysis revealed the persistence of halogen bonds between the cation and the anion guiding the sequential dynamics.

From Science Daily

"We've demonstrated that the materials design with anions can break the ceiling of energy density for batteries that are more sustainable and cost less," Ji said.

From Science Daily

The drawback for these has been that the battery cell decomposes more solvent than the few salt anions, which leads to an organic-dominated and less stable interphase layer.

From Science Daily

While defect ordering has been observed numerous times in perovskite oxides, the same cannot be said about hybrid halide perovskites, composed of an organic cation, a metal cation, and a halide anion.

From Science Daily