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

The oppositely charged ions are attracted to each other and form an ionic bond.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

Electrons can be thought of as being transferred from one atom to another in 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

The opposite charges of cations and anions exert a moderately strong mutual attraction that keeps the atoms in close proximity forming an ionic bond.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Because positive and negative charges attract, these ions stay together and form an ionic bond, or a bond between ions.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013