hydrogen ion

noun

1
: the cation H+ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid
2

Examples of hydrogen ion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Mitochondria naturally have fewer hydrogen ions in their inner matrix than near their outer edge. Corey Buhay, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Feb. 2024 The beads absorb lithium in exchange for a hydrogen ion. IEEE Spectrum, 31 Oct. 2023 In the reaction, a molecule of hydrogen gas collides with one deuterium ion to produce a hydrogen ion and a heavy, deuterium-containing hydrogen molecule. Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2023 After waiting for about 15 minutes, the scientists measured how many hydrogen ions had been produced to find the reaction rate. Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 2023 Excess electrons at the cathode stitch pairs of hydrogen ions into hydrogen gas (H2), which bubbles out of the water. Byrobert F. Service, science.org, 15 Mar. 2023 Acid from citrus increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, which results in the pectin molecules losing some charge. Catherine Hu, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2015 The first product of that reaction is a compound called carbonic acid, which soon gives up its hydrogen ion. WIRED, 2 Nov. 2022 At this point, lactate can’t grab its hydrogen ion to reduce the concentration of hydrogen in the muscle cell. Jeff Gaudette, Outside Online, 3 Oct. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hydrogen ion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydrogen ion was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near hydrogen ion

Cite this Entry

“Hydrogen ion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydrogen%20ion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hydrogen ion

noun
: the positive ion of acids that consists of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the negative ion of the acid

Medical Definition

hydrogen ion

noun
1
: the cation H+ of acids consisting of a hydrogen atom whose electron has been transferred to the anion of the acid
2

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