ionization

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the generation of one or more ions from atoms, molecules, or other chemical entities, for example through electron loss or gain or through dissociation

   Ultraviolet radiation caused ionization of the gas by ejecting electrons from its atoms.

Formed from ionize + -ation. Ion was coined in 1834 by William Whewell for Michael Faraday from Greek ion ("going"), reflecting the movement of charged species toward electrodes during electrolysis; ionization names the process that produces ions.

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