ionic

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik 

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

ionicity

ˌī-ə-ˈni-sə-tē 

noun

Ionic

2 of 3

adjective (2)

Ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik 

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

3 of 3

noun

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

Examples of ionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The team learned that the ionic solution of seawater allows the alloy to be collected and reused, and that adding imidazole, a compound in caffeine, speeds up the process from two hours to five minutes. —Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Sep. 2024

Ionic Technology: Brushes with ionic technology can help reduce frizz and static, providing a smoother finish by releasing negative ions that neutralize positive ions in the hair. —Nikki Brown, StyleCaster, 12 Sep. 2024

What is the difference between an ionic hair dryer and a regular hair dryer? —Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 9 Sep. 2024

Handsome Hutch Horsehair plaster swirls—the tops of ionic columns—are from Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke. —Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Southern Living, 31 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

ion + -ic entry 1

Adjective (2)

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing ionic

• ionic bond

Kids Definition

ionic

1 of 2 adjective

ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik 

: of, relating to, or existing in the form of ions

Ionic

2 of 2 adjective

Ion·​ic

ī-ˈän-ik

: belonging to or resembling a style of Greek architecture characterized especially by decoration resembling scrolls in the capitals of its columns

Medical Definition

ionic

adjective

ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik 

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

ionically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb