ion cloud
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ion cloud
[′ī‚än ‚klau̇d] (geophysics)
An inhomogeneity or patch of unusually great ion density in one of the regular regions of the ionosphere; such patches occur quite often in the E region.
(physical chemistry)
A slight preponderance of negative ions around a positive ion in an electrolyte, and vice versa, according to the Debye-Hückel theory. Also known as ion atmosphere.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.