Definition of CATION

cation

Plural: cations

Noun

  • a positively charged ion
  • A positively charged ion: one that would be attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.

Origin / Etymology

Borrowed from Ancient Greek κᾰτῐόν (kătĭón), neuter present participle of κᾰ́τειμῐ (kắteimĭ, “to go down, come down”), from κᾰτᾰ- (kătă-, “downwards, down, cata-”) + εἶμῐ (eîmĭ, “to go, come”). Coined by English polymath William Whewell in 1834 for Michael Faraday, who introduced it later that year. By surface analysis, cat(a)- + ion.

Antonyms

anion

Scrabble Score: 8

cation is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
cation is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
cation is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

cation is a valid Words With Friends word