zwitterion Hear it!

zwitterion definition

zwit·ter·ion (zwit′ər ī′än)

noun

an ion carrying both a positive and a negative charge in different parts of the molecule, as in certain amino acids and protein molecules

Etymology: Ger < zwitter, hybrid (< OHG zwitarn < zwi-, double, akin to OE twi-: for IE base see two) + ion, ion

Related Forms:

  • zwitterionic zwit′·teri·on′ic (-ī än′ik) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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