ion
/jɔ̃/masculine
The French word for ion is ion.
The term ion refers to an atom or group of atoms bearing an electrical charge.
Meaning: atom or group of atoms bearing an electrical charge (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ion is ions. The adjective form of 'ion' is ionique.
How do you pronounce it?
/jɔ̃/
Did you know?
- Because ion is a masculine noun, a French speaker would say un ion positif instead of using a feminine article.
- The adjective ionique is used in the phrase ordre ionique to describe a specific architectural style of columns, showing that the word exists in both chemistry and classical art.
- When describing an 'ionic bond', French uses the word lien ionique, where lien means both a chemical bond and a human connection.
Examples in context
- Ce vaisseau spatial est alimenté par des réacteurs ioniques.This spacecraft is powered by ion thrusters.Tatoeba #940856 by sacredceltic, translation #933600 by Scott
- L'ion cuivreux est moins stable que l'ion cuivrique.The cuprous ion is less stable than the cupric ion.
- L'ion est une particule chargée.The ion is a charged particle.
- Chaque ion a une charge électrique.Each ion has an electrical charge.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are studying chemistry in a library.
- ManonEst-ce qu'un ion est toujours chargé ?Is an ion always charged?
- GabrielOui, par définition, l'ion possède une charge.Yes, by definition, an ion possesses a charge.
- ManonMerci Gabriel, c'est plus clair.Thanks Gabriel, it is clearer.
- GabrielDe rien Manon, bonne chance pour tes révisions.You're welcome Manon, good luck with your revisions.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ion” translations and entries ion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
