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noun

anion

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Anion (noun) means a negatively charged ion. Example: “Chloride is an anion that carries a single negative charge.”

noun

1

technical A negatively charged ion.

"Chloride is an anion that carries a single negative charge."

"During electrolysis, anions move toward the positive electrode."

How to use anion

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn anion is just an atom or molecule that has picked up a negative charge.

When to use it

This is a standard chemistry term used in both academic and everyday scientific writing.

Memory tip

Remember it with the classic pairing: a cat has paws, so a CAT-ion is pAWsitive (positive), which makes an anion the negative one.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

cation →

Common pairings

negatively charged anion anion exchange common anions

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “anion” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Chloride is an _____ that carries a single negative charge.

Etymology

Anion is a learned borrowing from Ancient Greek anión, meaning a thing going up, itself from a verb meaning to go up formed from up plus go. The English polymath William Whewell coined the term for Michael Faraday, who put the coinage into use later in 1834.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Antonyms

cation

Related words

cation

Rhymes for anion

region ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion selection

See all rhymes for anion →

Frequently asked questions

What is an anion?

It is an ion that carries a negative electrical charge, having gained one or more electrons.

What is the opposite of an anion?

A cation, which carries a positive charge, is the opposite of an anion.

Who coined the word anion?

William Whewell coined it in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who then put the term into use.

What is the meaning of anion?

"anion" (noun) means a negatively charged ion.

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