anionic

adjective

an·​ion·​ic ˌa-(ˌ)nī-ˈä-nik 

1

: of or relating to anions

2

: characterized by an active and especially surface-active anion

Examples of anionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During lab experiments, that material removed both catatonic and anionic dyes, proving its potential for wastewater treatment. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026

In these surfactants, the hydrophilic end may simultaneously carry both anionic and cationic hydrophilic groups depending on ambient conditions such as pH (a scale of acid to base). — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025

The cationic molecules in this detergent work to pull out the anionic sweat and bacteria particles in our clothes like a magnet. — Sarah Madaus, SELF, 11 Sep. 2020

The array was formed by 21 ISEs combining both cationic and anionic sensors with others with generic response. — Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anionic

• atonic
• benthonic
• bionic
• bosonic
• bubonic
• canonic
• carbonic
• cyclonic
• demonic
• dystonic
• hadronic
• harmonic

Medical Definition

anionic

adjective

an·​ion·​ic ˌan-(ˌ)ī-ˈän-ik 

1

: of or relating to anions

2

: characterized by an active and especially surface-active anion

anionically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb