cationic
adjective
cat·ion·ic
ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈä-nik 
ˌka-(ˌ)tī-
1
: of, relating to, or being a cation
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
Examples of cationic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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 softener contains cationic, positively charged ions that help combat the static electricity that forms when clothes are tumbled in an automatic dryer.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2024
To put it simply, conditioner is a conditioning or moisturizing agent generally made up of ingredients such as silicones, oils, and emollients, as well as cationic surfactants (the scientific term for soaps or detergents, which help to wash away the oily elements).
—Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 25 Sep. 2023
It was soon largely replaced by electroporation, cationic lipids, viral capsids, and microinjection.
—Juergen Eckhardt and George Church, STAT, 1 Feb. 2023
The ionizable cationic lipid is the linchpin of a nanoparticle.
—Christopher Rowland, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2021
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
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025
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 softener contains cationic, positively charged ions that help combat the static electricity that forms when clothes are tumbled in an automatic dryer.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2024
To put it simply, conditioner is a conditioning or moisturizing agent generally made up of ingredients such as silicones, oils, and emollients, as well as cationic surfactants (the scientific term for soaps or detergents, which help to wash away the oily elements).
—Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 25 Sep. 2023
It was soon largely replaced by electroporation, cationic lipids, viral capsids, and microinjection.
—Juergen Eckhardt and George Church, STAT, 1 Feb. 2023
The ionizable cationic lipid is the linchpin of a nanoparticle.
—Christopher Rowland, Anchorage Daily News, 16 June 2021
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
Cite this Entry
“Cationic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cationic. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cationic
adjective
cat·ion·ic
ˌkat-(ˌ)ī-ˈän-ik
1
: of or relating to cations
2
: characterized by an active and especially surface-active cation
a cationic dye
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