What does ionised mean?
Ionised is the British-spelling adjective and past participle of ionise, meaning that a substance has been converted into electrically charged particles called ions. It can also function as a verb: “The beam ionised the gas” describes a process in which electrons are removed from or added to atoms or molecules, producing ions. The term belongs chiefly to chemistry, physics and related technical writing, although it appears in general science reporting when describing air purity, plasma, radiation, mass spectrometry and electrical discharge. Ionisation may occur through the loss of electrons, the gain of electrons or the dissociation of molecules into charged components. The word is useful because it identifies a specific physical transformation rather than merely indicating that something is electrically active. In American English, the usual spellings are “ionized” and “ionization”; both British and American forms refer to the same process.
Having been converted into ions; consisting of or containing ionised particles.
"The chamber filled with ionised gas."
Also the past participle of the verb ionise. British spelling; American English normally uses “ionized.”
To convert a substance into ions, especially by removing or adding electrons.
"The intense laser pulse ionised the surrounding air."
Used chiefly in chemistry, physics and related technical contexts.
Ionised particles carry an electric charge because they have lost or gained electrons.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ionised come from?
Ionised is formed from ionise and the past-participle ending -ed, written as -ed after the British spelling -ise. Ionise derives from ion, a term introduced into English from Greek ion, the present participle of ienai, meaning “to go.” Related English forms include ion, ionic and ionosphere.
Related word forms
How ionised is actually used
This is the standard British spelling; American English normally uses “ionized.” The word is chiefly used in chemistry, physics and related technical contexts. As an adjective, it is also the past participle of “ionise”.