ionic

1 of 3

adjective (1)

ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce ionic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions
ionic gases
the ionic charge
2
: based on or functioning by means of ions
ionic conduction
ionicity
ˌī-ə-ˈni-sə-tē How to pronounce ionic (audio)
noun

Ionic

2 of 3

adjective (2)

Ion·​ic ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce Ionic (audio)
1
: of or relating to the ancient Greek architectural order distinguished especially by fluted columns on bases and scroll volutes in its capitals see order illustration
2
: of or relating to Ionia or the Ionians

Ionic

3 of 3

noun

: a dialect of ancient Greek spoken especially in Ionia and the Cyclades

Examples of ionic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The material exhibited four times the ionic conductivity of conventional polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolytes. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 Neurons are electrically excitable cells that fire to positive ionic current flowing into the neuron. — Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Which is better, an ionic hair dryer or an infrared hair dryer? — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 12 May 2026 Revlon hot airbrush The Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush leverages advanced ionic technology to create high-volume, frizz-free styles. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 May 2026
Noun
Don’t miss out on the Anne Betty Ionic Hair Dryer, which comes with a nozzle attachment and diffuser. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 25 Oct. 2025 People who purchased the curling irons are urged to contact Bio Ionic to register for a free replacement curling iron. — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ionic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective (1)

ion + -ic entry 1

Adjective (2)

Latin & Middle French; Middle French ionique, from Latin ionicus, from Greek iōnikos, from Iōnia Ionia

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective (2)

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ionic was in 1585

Phrases Containing ionic

Rhymes for ionic

See All Rhymes for ionic

Browse Nearby Words

Ionian Sea
ionic
Ionic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ionic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

ionic

1 of 2 adjective
ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce ionic (audio)
: of, relating to, or existing in the form of ions

Ionic

2 of 2 adjective
Ion·​ic
ī-ˈän-ik
: belonging to or resembling a style of Greek architecture characterized especially by decoration resembling scrolls in the capitals of its columns

Medical Definition

ionic

adjective
ion·​ic ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce ionic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, existing as, or characterized by ions
ionic gases
the ionic charge
2
: based on or functioning by means of ions
ionic conduction
ionically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce ionic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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