Merriam-Webster logo WWWebster Dictionary

 

Main Entry:	ion

Pronunciation:	'I-&n, 'I-"�n

Function:	noun

Etymology:	Greek, neuter of iOn, present participle of ienai to go -- more at ISSUE

Date:	circa 1834

1 : an atom or group of atoms that carries a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained one or more electrons
2 : a charged subatomic particle (as a free electron)

Thesaurus Symbol Key
* generally or often considered vulgar
|| usage restricted; consult a dictionary for more information

For further explanation of these symbols see the Thesaurus Symbol Guide.


Dictionary Pronunciation Key
  • \&\ as a and u in abut
  • \[^&]\ as e in kitten
  • \&r\ as ur and er in further
  • \a\ as a in ash
  • \A\ as a in ace
  • \�\ as o in mop
  • \au\ as ou in out
  • \ch\ as ch in chin
  • \e\ as e in bet
  • \E\ as ea in easy
  • \g\ as g in go
  • \i\ as i in hit
  • \I\ as i in ice
  • \j\ as j in job
  • \[ng]\ as ng in sing
  • \O\ as o in go
  • \o\ as aw in law
  • \oi\ as oy in boy
  • \th\ as th in thin
  • \[th_]\ as th in the
  • \�\ as oo in loot
  • \u\ as oo in foot
  • \y\ as y in yet
  • \zh\ as si in vision
For explanations of other pronunciation symbols see Guide To Pronunciation.

� 1999 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated

First Page | Prev Page | Next Page | Back to Text