ˈaˌnīən also -īˌän noun
( -s )
Etymology: Greek, neuter of aniōn, present participle of anienai to go up, from ana- + ienai to go — more at issue
1. : a negatively charged ion (as a hydroxide, chloride, or acetate ion) — opposed to cation
2.
a. : the ion in an electrolyzed solution that migrates to the anode and is there discharged and liberated or deposited
b. : a negative gaseous ion