Definition

A type of ion that has a negative charge and moves towards the positive electrode in a chemical reaction.

Example

In the process of electrolysis, the anion travels to the anode to complete the circuit.

Conversation

I was reading about chemistry, and I came across the term anion.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It's a negatively charged ion that moves towards the anode during electrolysis.

That sounds interesting! I never knew ions could be categorized like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anion is formed from "an-" (meaning without) and "ion" (from Greek "ion", meaning to go). The term refers to a negatively charged ion that moves towards the anode, thus it is an ion that goes without a positive charge.

Memory Tip

Think of 'an-' meaning without and 'ion' meaning to go — an anion is something that goes without a positive charge.

Visually Confused Words