cation exchange

noun

: ion exchange in which one cation (as sodium or hydrogen) is substituted for one or more other cations (as calcium and magnesium in hard water)

called also base exchange

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!