rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryionElectrically charged particle
noun

ion

EYE-un/ˈaɪən/

An atom or molecule with a net electric charge.

The plus sign identifies the illustrated atom as a positive ion.

A generic positively charged atom schematic with electron shells and a plus sign; no particular chemical element identified.
Etymology
ionGreekto go

The name uses a Greek form meaning “going”: ions were named for their movement toward an electrode of opposite charge, rather than simply for possessing charge.

In context

Doctor Klioze13:37
gadolinium ion with its plus three charge is strongly attracted to the negatively charged dtpa
Gadolinium Based Contrast Agents in MRI

More examples

  • The solution contains both positive and negative ions.
  • An atom becomes an ion when it gains or loses electrons.
  • The instrument separates ions according to their properties.

Forms

ion · ions