n. Atom or group of atoms that has lost one or more electrons (= *cation), or gained one or more electrons (= *anion). [greek, = going]

- suffix (usu. As -sion, -tion, -xion) forming nouns denoting: 1 verbal action (excision).

- instance of this (a suggestion).

- resulting state or product (vexation; concoction). [latin -io]

n. Signed document acknowledging a debt. [from i owe you]

abbr. Isle of wight.

abbr. International phonetic alphabet.

abbr. Irish republican army.

n. Literary anger. [latin ira]

v. Irritate, bore, annoy. [origin unknown]

var. Of *-ize.

suffix forming adjectives: 1 from nouns, meaning: a having the qualities of (boyish). B of the nationality of (danish).

- from adjectives, meaning ‘somewhat’ (thickish).

- colloq. Denoting an approximate age or time of day (fortyish; six-thirtyish). [old english]

n. Colloq. Usu. Derog. Any distinctive doctrine or practice. [from *-ism]

- suffix forming nouns, esp. Denoting: 1 action or its result (baptism; organism).

- system or principle (conservatism; jingoism).

- state or quality (heroism; barbarism).

- basis of prejudice or discrimination (racism; sexism).

- peculiarity in language (americanism). [greek -ismos]