1 ionic | Definition of ionic

ionic

adjective (1)
ion·​ic | \ ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce ionic (audio) \

Definition of ionic

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1 : of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions ionic gases the ionic charge
2 : based on or functioning by means of ions ionic conduction

Ionic

adjective (2)
Ion·​ic | \ ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce Ionic (audio) \

Definition of Ionic (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : of or relating to the ancient Greek architectural order distinguished especially by fluted columns on bases and scroll volutes in its capitals — see order illustration
2 : of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians

Ionic

noun

Definition of Ionic (Entry 3 of 3)

: a dialect of ancient Greek spoken especially in Ionia and the Cyclades

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Other Words from ionic

Adjective (1)

ionicity \ ˌī-​ə-​ˈni-​sə-​tē How to pronounce ionicity (audio) \ noun

Examples of ionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

In its place, the NASA team came up with a class of organic compounds called ionic liquids, essentially molten salts, that would remain liquid in the frigid lunar night. Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, "Could humanity’s return to the moon spark a new age of lunar telescopes?," 18 July 2019 Lignin does not dissolve in most solvents, but investigators have shown that certain environmentally friendly ionic liquids (which are composed largely of ions) can selectively separate it from wood and woody plants. Javier Garcia Martinez, Scientific American, "Bioplastics Could Solve a Major Pollution Problem," 1 July 2019 The force Brown observed is now known as an ionic wind. Jonathon Keats, Discover Magazine, "The Origins of Flight, From Birds to Bugs to Planes," 21 June 2019 The resulting bulk movement of atmospheric molecules is called an ionic wind. John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Ion drive meets drone, as small plane flies with no moving parts," 21 Nov. 2018 The ions collide with normal air molecules, emitting ionic wind out of the plane's back and giving it flight. Sam Blum, Popular Mechanics, "This Completely Silent Airplane Achieves Flight With No Moving Parts," 26 Nov. 2018 Expensive dryers tend to come with hair-saving smart features like high power, multiple heat settings, a cool shot, and ionic air technology. Lauren Levinson, SELF, "8 Mistakes You're Making When You Blow-Dry Your Hair," 14 Mar. 2018 This new discovery—that turbulence in superheated plasma takes place not only on an atomic scale, but also on a large ionic scale simultaneously—sheds a whole lot of light on the inner workings of prospective fusion reactors. Eric Limer, Popular Mechanics, "New Development Could Help Solve Fusion Reactors' Most Mysterious Problem," 21 Jan. 2016 The ionic liquid in his fuel cell is goopy, 10 times more viscous than water. Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ionic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of ionic

Adjective (1)

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for ionic

Adjective (1)

ion + -ic entry 1

Adjective (2)

Latin & Middle French; Middle French ionique, from Latin ionicus, from Greek iōnikos, from Iōnia Ionia

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More Definitions for ionic

ionic

adjective
ion·​ic | \ ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce ionic (audio) \

Medical Definition of ionic

1 : of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions ionic gases the ionic charge
2 : based on or functioning by means of ions ionic conduction

Other Words from ionic

ionically \ -​i-​k(ə-​)lē How to pronounce ionically (audio) \ adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on ionic

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with ionic

Spanish Central: Translation of ionic

Nglish: Translation of ionic for Spanish Speakers