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.

---

ionic bond British  

noun

1. another name for electrovalent bond

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

Looking at Figure 2.7, can you infer which two groups together will form a strong ionic bond?

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

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

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