Ion
/aɪ.ɒn/noun
An atom or molecule with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons.
Did you know?The term 'ion' stems from a Greek word meaning 'to go', reflecting the movement of charged particles in electric fields, linking it to ancient ideas of energy and transformation.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἰόν (ión)
“that which goes, moving or traveling”
Late 19th Century
English
ion
“A term coined in the field of electrochemistry to describe charged particles.”
19th Century
English
ion
“Adopted from the Greek to signify charged atoms or molecules in modern science.”
Modern English
English
ion
“Establishes a foundational concept in chemistry and physics, representing the flow of electric charge.”