ion
ion — noun
1. a microscopic unit consisting of one atom or several atoms bound together, which
a microscopic unit consisting of one atom or several atoms bound together, which becomes electrically charged whenever it gains extra electrons or loses some of its own
In class, Walid drew a diagram showing how a sodium atom becomes a positive ion.
countable noun with 'a'
Lithium ions in a battery move from the negative toward the positive electrode during use.
noun + 'ions' as subject in technical context
When table salt dissolves in water, it breaks apart into positive and negative ions.
Ryo labeled the positive sodium and negative chloride ions on his lab worksheet.
The body uses charged ions to send signals through nerve cells and control muscle movement.
用法筆記
In scientific writing, the specific charge is often stated: a positive ion (cation) loses electrons, while a negative ion (anion) gains electrons. The noun is also used in compound terms such as lithium-ion battery or ion channel.
常見錯誤
ion — abbreviation
1. a short written form of the word Ionic, used to refer to a classical style of Gr
a short written form of the word Ionic, used to refer to a classical style of Greek architecture with columns that have scroll-shaped decoration at the top
The museum's entrance featured six tall columns in the Ion. style, with elegant scroll-shaped capitals.
Ion. as abbreviation in architectural description
The textbook described the three main orders of Greek architecture as Dor., Ion., and Cor.
In the textbook, a caption read 'Temple of Athena, Ion. order, 5th century BCE.'
The guide said the Ion. style began in Ionia, on the coast of modern-day Turkey.
用法筆記
This abbreviation appears mainly in architectural textbooks, reference works, and captions. In general writing, the full word Ionic is preferred. The abbreviation is often written with a period (Ion.) in formal publications.
ion — suffix
1. used after a verb to create a noun that names the action or the process of doing
used after a verb to create a noun that names the action or the process of doing what the verb describes
The construction of the new school took nearly eighteen months to finish.
construct → construction (action)
Nadia's translation of the Japanese poem captured its original rhythm and feeling.
translate → translation (process)
The exploration of the cave system required ropes, helmets, and strong lights.
The examination of the ancient documents took the research team more than a year.
Careful preparation before the exam can help reduce stress and improve results.
文法句型
verb + -ion/-tion/-sion/-ation → noun
用法筆記
The suffix takes several spelling forms depending on the ending of the verb: -tion (after most verbs ending in -t: act → action), -sion (after verbs ending in -d or -s: decide → decision), -ation (after verbs ending in -e or -ize: explore → exploration), and -ition (with some verbs: add → addition). These are not predictable by rule, so learners should check each word in a dictionary.
常見錯誤
2. used after a verb to create a noun that refers to the thing that is produced or
used after a verb to create a noun that refers to the thing that is produced or achieved by an action or process
Jin's invention was a simple tool that helps farmers water their crops using sunlight.
invent → invention (thing produced)
The illustration in the biology textbook showed the different parts of a flower.
illustrate → illustration (produced image)
Cole collected so many stamps that his collection filled three large albums.
The artist's latest creation was a sculpture made entirely of recycled plastic bottles.
文法句型
verb + -ion/-tion/-sion → noun (result)
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with sense 1 (ACTION OR PROCESS). The difference is focus: sense 1 emphasizes the activity itself (The construction took a year), while this sense emphasizes the finished product (The construction is a tall building). Many -ion nouns can carry both meanings depending on context.
3. used after a verb to create a noun that describes a state, quality, or condition
used after a verb to create a noun that describes a state, quality, or condition resulting from an action or feeling
Élise felt a deep sense of satisfaction after finishing her first marathon race.
satisfy → satisfaction (inner state)
The confusion in the classroom grew as the teacher's instructions became more complicated.
confuse → confusion (mental state)
Diya's connection to her hometown remained strong even after ten years away.
The isolation of the mountain village made daily life difficult during the winter months.
Sofia felt the tension in the exam hall rise as the final minutes ticked away.
文法句型
verb + -ion → noun (state/condition)
用法筆記
Many -ion nouns expressing state or condition overlap with -ment and -ness nouns (e.g., satisfaction, enjoyment, happiness). The -ion form is generally preferred in more formal or academic writing, while -ness often sounds more natural in everyday conversation.