ion
An ion is an atom or a group of atoms that has an electrical charge. This happens when the atom loses or gains one or more electrons, making it either positive or negative.
Examples
3 of 5Drinking sports drinks can help replace the ions lost during exercise.
Consuming sports beverages can assist in replenishing the charged particles lost during physical activity.
The experiment requires the precise measurement of each individual ion's mass.
The scientific test needs the exact calculation of the weight of every single charged atom.
Is an ion just a fancy word for a charged atom?
Is the term ion simply a sophisticated way to describe an atom with a charge?
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase: 'I ON'. An atom has its electric charge switched 'ON' to become an ion.
Quick Quiz
Most modern smartphones are powered by a lithium-____ battery.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ion
Examples
Drinking sports drinks can help replace the ions lost during exercise.
everydayConsuming sports beverages can assist in replenishing the charged particles lost during physical activity.
The experiment requires the precise measurement of each individual ion's mass.
formalThe scientific test needs the exact calculation of the weight of every single charged atom.
Is an ion just a fancy word for a charged atom?
informalIs the term ion simply a sophisticated way to describe an atom with a charge?
Calcium ions are essential for the transmission of signals between nerve cells.
academicCharged calcium particles are necessary for sending messages between the cells of the nervous system.
Our primary product is a high-capacity lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles.
businessThe main item we sell is a powerful battery using lithium particles for cars powered by electricity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
lithium-ion battery
A common rechargeable battery type used in phones and laptops.
ion drive
A type of engine used for spacecraft propulsion.
heavy ion
An ion with a large atomic mass.
Often Confused With
Iron is a metallic element (Fe), whereas an ion is any electrically charged atom.
Iodine is a specific chemical element (I), while an ion is a general term for charged particles.
Usage Notes
The word is almost exclusively used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts. It is a countable noun, so you can speak of a single ion or many ions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell it as 'iron' or forget that an ion can have either a positive or negative charge, not just positive.
Memory Tip
Think of the phrase: 'I ON'. An atom has its electric charge switched 'ON' to become an ion.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek word 'ion', which means 'going' or 'traveling', referring to how ions move toward electrodes.
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Most modern smartphones are powered by a lithium-____ battery.
Correct!
The correct answer is: ion
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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