noun

cation

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Cation (noun) means a positively charged ion, one that is drawn to the cathode during electrolysis. Example: “A sodium cation forms when a sodium atom loses an electron.”

noun

physical chemistry A positively charged ion, one that is drawn to the cathode during electrolysis.

"A sodium cation forms when a sodium atom loses an electron."

"During electrolysis, cations move towards the negatively charged cathode."

"The solution contains both cations and anions in balance."

How to use cation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cation is an atom or molecule that has lost electrons, giving it an overall positive charge.

When to use it

It is a technical chemistry term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

Remember that cation and cathode both start with cat-, and a cation is drawn towards the cathode.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

anion

Common pairings

sodium cation metal cation cation and anion positively charged cation

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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 “cation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A sodium _____ forms when a sodium atom loses an electron.

Etymology

Cation is a learned borrowing from Ancient Greek, built from a word meaning "to go down" or "come down", itself formed from a prefix meaning "down" and a verb meaning "to go". It was coined in 1834 by the English polymath William Whewell for Michael Faraday, who introduced the term later that year.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Antonyms

anion

Rhymes for cation

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

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Frequently asked questions

What is a cation?

A cation is a positively charged ion, one that moves towards the cathode during electrolysis.

What is the difference between a cation and an anion?

A cation carries a positive charge and moves towards the cathode, while an anion carries a negative charge and moves towards the anode.

Who coined the word cation?

William Whewell coined the term in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who then introduced it into scientific use later that year.

What is the meaning of cation?

"cation" (noun) means a positively charged ion, one that is drawn to the cathode during electrolysis.