Cation

Pronunciation: /ˈkæʃən/

Definitions of cation

noun a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis

Example Sentences

A1 A cation is a positively charged ion.

A2 Students in chemistry class learn about cations and anions.

B1 The cation of sodium is Na+.

B2 Cations are attracted to cathodes in electrolysis.

C1 Researchers are studying the behavior of cations in solution.

C2 The complex formation of cations with ligands is a key concept in coordination chemistry.

Examples of cation in a Sentence

formal The cation is a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.

informal I didn't realize that a cation is a positively charged ion in chemistry class.

slang Yo, did you hear about that cation thing in science? It's like a positive ion or something.

figurative In a way, a cation can be seen as the 'good guy' in the world of ions, always looking for a negative ion to bond with.

Grammatical Forms of cation

• plural: cations
• present tense: caters
• future tense: will cate
• perfect tense: have cated
• continuous tense: is cating
• singular: cation
• positive degree: more cation
• infinitive: to cate
• gerund: cating
• participle: cated

Origin and Evolution of cation

First Known Use: 1834 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'cation' originated from the combination of the Greek word 'kata' meaning 'down' and 'ion' meaning 'going'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of chemistry to describe positively charged ions, the term 'cation' has since become a widely used term in science and is now commonly used to refer to any positively charged ion regardless of the context.