zwitterion

(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

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

Related Forms:

See zwitterion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A molecule carrying both a positive and a negative charge.

Origin:

Origin: German

Origin: : Zwitter, hybrid (from Middle High German zwitarn, from Old High German, from zwi-, twice; see dwo- in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + Ion, ion (from Greek; see ion)

Related Forms:

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zwitterion medical definition

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