ion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative electrical charge because it has lost or gained electrons

   A sodium atom becomes a positive ion when it loses an electron.

Coined in 1834 by William Whewell for Michael Faraday, from Greek ion ('going'), the neuter present participle of ienai ('to go'). The name reflects the movement of charged particles toward electrodes during electrolysis; anion and cation were formed from the same Greek element.

Topics