ion
/ˈʌɪən
/noun
An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons: [with modifier]: hydrogen ions a sulphate ion...See also cation, anion.
- Some compounds have polyatomic ions, where the ion is composed of two or more atoms.
- The charge on the complex ion is the sum of the charges on the metal ion and the ligands.
- At that stage, the electrons and ions combined into neutral atoms that no longer scattered the radiation.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek, neuter present participle of ienai 'go'.