Definition

1. Noun:
   • A negatively charged ion: An ion that has gained one or more electrons, giving it a net negative electrical charge. Anions are attracted to the anode (positive electrode) during electrolysis.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Chloride (Cl⁻) is a common anion found in table salt.
  • In the battery, anions migrate toward the positive terminal.
  • The test confirmed the presence of nitrate anions in the water sample.

Advanced Usage

• "Anion exchange": A process where anions in a solution are exchanged with other anions bound to a solid resin or membrane.
  • The water softener uses anion exchange to remove harmful contaminants.
• "Anion gap": A calculated value used in medicine to help identify the causes of metabolic acidosis, based on the concentrations of cations and anions in blood plasma.
  • The doctor reviewed the lab results, paying close attention to the elevated anion gap.

Variants and Related Words

• Anionic (adj): Relating to, or being an anion.
  • The compound has an anionic character.
• Anionically (adv): In an anionic manner.
  • The surfactant acts anionically.

Synonyms

• Negatively charged ion: The direct descriptive synonym.
• Non-cation: A term used in contrast to positively charged ions (cations).

Related Phrases

• "Anion channel": A protein pore in a cell membrane that allows the selective passage of anions.
  • The malfunction of the chloride anion channel causes cystic fibrosis.
• "Anion radical": A type of anion that also possesses an unpaired electron, making it a free radical.
  • The study focused on the stability of the superoxide anion radical.

Related Idioms

(No common idioms are directly based on the scientific term "anion".)

Noun

1. a negatively charged ion