electropositive

[ ih-lek-troh-poz-i-tiv ]

adjective

, Physical Chemistry.

1. containing positive electricity; tending to migrate to the negative pole in electrolysis.
2. assuming positive potential when in contact with a dissimilar substance.
3. basic, as an element or group.

electropositive

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈpɒzɪtɪv /

adjective

1. having a positive electric charge
2. (of an atom, group, molecule, etc) tending to release electrons and form positive ions or polarized bonds Compare electronegative

electropositive

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-pŏz′ĭ-tĭv /

1. Tending to donate electrons and to form a positive ion. Metals are generally electropositive.
2. Having a positive electric charge.
3. Capable of acting as a positive electrode.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electropositive¹

First recorded in 1840–50; electro- + positive

Example Sentences

In the parlance of chemists, metallic lead is electropositive.

From Economist

If it has a greater affinity for oxygen than copper has, then the zinc must be either electropositive or electronegative to copper.

From Project Gutenberg

Metallic tin is not electropositive enough compared with the electronegativity of its oxide to deliver a useful potential difference.

From Economist

In all groups of chemically similar elements the heaviest are the most electropositive.

From Economist

If zinc has an affinity for oxygen, it must be because the zinc is either electropositive or electronegative to oxygen.

From Project Gutenberg