ion
UK: ˈaɪən | US: ˈaɪən
n. An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
The word "ion" originates from the Greek verb "ienai" (to go), coined by English scientist Michael Faraday in 1834. Faraday chose this term because ions "go" or move toward oppositely charged electrodes in an electric field. The Greek neuter present participle "ion" (going) was adopted directly into scientific Latin and later English, retaining its core concept of motion tied to electrical charge.
Sodium and chloride ions combine to form table salt.
The battery generates power by the movement of ions between electrodes.
Positive ions are attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
Ion channels in cell membranes regulate electrical signals.
The spectrometer detected trace metal ions in the sample.