cationic

adjective

cat·​ion·​ic ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈä-nik How to pronounce cationic (audio)
ˌka-(ˌ)tī-
1
: of, relating to, or being a cation
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
cationically
ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈä-ni-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cationic (audio)
ˌka-(ˌ)tī-
adverb

Examples of cationic 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.
The ionizable cationic lipid is the linchpin of a nanoparticle. — Christopher Rowland, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2021 It was soon largely replaced by electroporation, cationic lipids, viral capsids, and microinjection. — Juergen Eckhardt and George Church, STAT, 1 Feb. 2023 Of the four lipids that make up the protective droplet, the ionizable cationic lipid is the one needed in the highest volume and is subject to restrictive patents held by Acuitas and a few other companies. — Washington Post, 18 Feb. 2021 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 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 Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin and the Technical University of Berlin developed the material based on a porous polymer structure called a radical-cationic covalent organic framework (COF). — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cationic was circa 1920

Rhymes for cationic

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Browse Nearby Words

cation-exchange resin
cationic
cationic detergent
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Cite this Entry

“Cationic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cationic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

cationic

adjective
cat·​ion·​ic ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈän-ik How to pronounce cationic (audio)
1
: of or relating to cations
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
cationically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cationic (audio)
adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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