I|on|ic

i|on|ic «y ON ihk», adjective.

of, having to do with, or present as ions or an ion: »

Ionic speeds are quite small. Ions in ionic crystals are held together by the attraction between their opposite charges (Ralph E. Lapp).

╂[< ion + -ic]

I|on|ic «y ON ihk», adjective, noun.

–adj.

1. of or having to do with the order of Greek architecture having scrolls in the capitals of the columns.

2. of Ionia (ancient region on the west coast of Asia Minor) or its people.

3. having to do with or consisting of Ionics in Greek and Latin verse.

–n.

1. the dialect of ancient Greek spoken by the Ionians and including Homeric and Attic Greek.

2. in Greek and Latin verse: a) a foot consisting of two long syllables followed by two short (the greater Ionic), or two short followed by two long (the lesser or smaller Ionic). b) an Ionic line or meter.

3. Printing. a heavy-face type.

╂[< Latin Iōnicus < Greek Iōnikós < I Ionia]