ionic bond

American  

[ahy-on-ik bond] / aɪˈɒn ɪk ˈbɒnd /

noun

Chemistry.

1. the electrostatic bond between two ions formed through the transfer of one or more electrons.

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ionic bond British  

noun

1. another name for electrovalent bond

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ionic bond Scientific  

/ ī-ŏn′ĭk /

1. A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges. Ionic bonds form when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom. These bonds can form between a pair of atoms or between molecules and are the type of bond found in salts.

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ionic bond Cultural  

1. A chemical bond in which one atom gives up an electron to another, thereby generating an electrical force that holds the atoms together.

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Discover More

Many crystals are held together by ionic bonds.

Etymology

Origin of ionic bond

First recorded in 1935–40

Compare meaning

How does ionic-bond compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• hydrogen bond vs. ionic bond

Example Sentences

An ionic bond involves the transfer of electrons whereas a covalent bond involves the van der Waals force of interaction.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Electrons can be thought of as being transferred from one atom to another in an ionic bond.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Since negative and positive charges attract, sodium and chlorine ions stick together, creating an ionic bond.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

He realized the ionic bond linking ammonium and nitrate was rather weak, and so he sought a readily available compound that could break it apart and then recombine it into something inert.

From New York Times • Jun. 24, 2013

These charges are often referred to as “partial charges” because the strength of the charge is less than one full electron, as would occur in an ionic bond.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013