ionic

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce ionic (audio)
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 noun

Ionic

2 of 3

adjective (2)

Ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce Ionic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Depending on its ionic charge, dissolved iron causes color variations ranging from brown to grey to green. David Bressan, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 But previous attempts have generally used ionic liquid electrolytes, which can lead to anode corrosion, especially in humid conditions. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
The Fitbit Ionic, Fitbit’s first smartwatch, also overheated. Andrew Williams, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 At the time of the 2022 recall, owners were offered $299 after returning their Ionic watches and received a discount code for select Fitbit devices, according to the consumer commission. Adeel Hassan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ionic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ionic was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Ionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionic. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

ionic

1 of 2 adjective
ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce ionic (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce ionic (audio)
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 adverb

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