anion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “anion” mean?
A negatively charged ion, attracted to the anode (positive electrode) during electrolysis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A negatively charged ion, attracted to the anode (positive electrode) during electrolysis.
In chemistry, an atom or molecule that has gained one or more electrons, resulting in a net negative electrical charge. In broader scientific contexts, it refers to any negatively charged particle in a solution or plasma.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Purely technical/scientific term with no cultural connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent in scientific discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “anion” in a Sentence
The [chloride] anion is formed.[Electron] gain creates an anion.The anion [migrates] toward the anode.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anion” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- anion exchange membrane
- anion gap calculation
American English
- anion exchange resin
- anion channel protein
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like chemical manufacturing or battery technology.
Academic
Core term in chemistry, physics, materials science, and biochemistry lectures and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Essential in scientific papers, lab reports, and discussions of ionic reactions, electrochemistry, and membrane transport.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anion”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anion”
- Mispronouncing as /ˈeɪ.ni.ən/ (like 'anyone').
- Confusing 'anion' with 'anode' (the electrode).
- Using it as a general term for any ion.
- Incorrectly stating anions are attracted to the cathode.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An anion has a negative charge (gained electrons), a cation has a positive charge (lost electrons). During electrolysis, anions are attracted to the anode, cations to the cathode.
Yes, for example, a chlorine atom that gains an electron becomes a chloride anion (Cl-). Anions can also be polyatomic molecules, like sulfate (SO4^2-).
Very rarely. Its use is almost exclusively confined to chemistry and closely related physical and life sciences.
Use the alphabetical trick: A (Anion) comes before C (Cation), and N (Negative) comes before P (Positive). Anion = A Negative ION. Also, think of the 't' in cation as a plus sign (+).
A negatively charged ion, attracted to the anode (positive electrode) during electrolysis.
Anion is usually technical/scientific in register.
Anion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.aɪ.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænˌaɪ.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Negative ION' = ANION. Or remember it's attracted to the ANode, like a cat-ion (cation) is attracted to the CAThode.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a particle with an 'extra' burden (electron) giving it a negative 'personality', moving against the flow of conventional current.
Practice
Quiz
What defines an anion?