-on

Origin

• (Physics) From -on in electron, reinforced by Ancient Greek ending neuter nouns and adjectives.
• (Chemistry) From -on in carbon, first applied to boron and then to silicon.

Full definition of -on

Suffix

1. (physics and biology) Forming nouns denoting subatomic particles proton, quanta photon, molecular units codon, or substances interferon.
2. (biology, genetics) Forming names of things considered as basic or fundamental units, such as codon or recon.
3. (chemistry) Forming names of noble gases and certain nonmetal elements (such as boron or silicon).