Electropositive

/ɪˌlɛktrəˈpɑːzətɪv/ adjective

Definition

Describing an atom or element that tends to lose electrons and carry a positive electrical charge, or having a tendency toward positive electrical charge.

Etymology

From electro- (electricity) combined with positive (having a surplus of positive charge), a chemistry term created in the 19th century to describe chemical behavior.

Kelly Says

Metals are electropositive—they love giving away electrons—which is why they're so good at conducting electricity and why they corrode in air; they're basically eager electrons donors in the chemical world.

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