cation

[kat-ahy-uh n, -on] /ˈkætˌaɪ ən, -ɒn/
noun, Physical Chemistry
1.
a positively charged ion that is attracted to the cathode in electrolysis.
2.
any positively charged atom or group of atoms (opposed to anion).
Also, kation.
Origin
1825-35; < Greek katión going down (neuter of katiṓn, present participle of kateînai), equivalent to kat- cat- + -i- go + -on neuter present participle suffix
Related forms
cationic
[kat-ahy-on-ik] /ˌkæt aɪˈɒn ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
cationically, adverb
British Dictionary definitions for cation

cation

/ˈkætaɪən/
noun
1.
a positively charged ion; an ion that is attracted to the cathode during electrolysis Compare anion
Derived Forms
cationic (ˌkætaɪˈɒnɪk) adjective
Word Origin
C19: from cata- + ion
Word Origin and History for cation
n.

1834, from Greek kation "going down," neuter present participle of katienai "to go down," from kata "down" (see cata-) + ienai "to go" (see ion). Proposed by the Rev. William Whewell (1794-1866), English polymath, and published by English physicist Michael Faraday.

cation in Medicine

cation cat·i·on (kāt'ī'ən)
n.
An ion or group of ions having a positive charge and characteristically moving toward the negative electrode in electrolysis.

cation in Science
cation
  (kāt'ī'ən)   
An ion with net positive charge, having more protons than electrons. In electrolysis, cations migrate to a negatively charged cathode. Compare anion.