ionophore
noun
ion·o·phore
ī-ˈä-nə-ˌfȯr 
: a compound that facilitates transmission of an ion (as of calcium) across a lipid barrier (as in a cell membrane) by combining with the ion or by increasing the permeability of the barrier to it
Examples of ionophore in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The coating for the ion-selective membrane is a standard polymer—like the plastic used to make plumbing pipes—through which ions have great difficulty penetrating, along with a special ionophore molecule that allows the passage of only one type of ion.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
Quercetin is an ionophore, a fat-soluble substance that assists zinc in this process and increases zinc concentration within cells.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
Zinc isn’t as effectively absorbed without an ionophore — and the body can’t derive its maximum benefits.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
The story cited reporting by the Wall Street Journal that as part of the move Tyson will add ionophores to combat coccidiosis in birds -- a disease that can lead to weight loss and death.
—John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 12 July 2023
In a 2010 study, zinc coupled with an ionophore (a chemical that transports an ion across a cell membrane) was found to inhibit the replication of SARS.
—Allysia Finley, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020
Some Covid-19 studies have also shown promising results from pairing zinc with the antimalaria drug hydroxychloriquine (HCQ), another ionophore.
—Allysia Finley, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020
McDonald’s suppliers are still allowed to use a type of antibiotic not used to treat humans, called ionophores.
—Samantha Bomkamp, chicagotribune.com, 23 Aug. 2017
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IEEE Spectrum, 22 Oct. 2014
Quercetin is an ionophore, a fat-soluble substance that assists zinc in this process and increases zinc concentration within cells.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
Zinc isn’t as effectively absorbed without an ionophore — and the body can’t derive its maximum benefits.
—Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
The story cited reporting by the Wall Street Journal that as part of the move Tyson will add ionophores to combat coccidiosis in birds -- a disease that can lead to weight loss and death.
—John Magsam, Arkansas Online, 12 July 2023
In a 2010 study, zinc coupled with an ionophore (a chemical that transports an ion across a cell membrane) was found to inhibit the replication of SARS.
—Allysia Finley, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020
Some Covid-19 studies have also shown promising results from pairing zinc with the antimalaria drug hydroxychloriquine (HCQ), another ionophore.
—Allysia Finley, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2020
McDonald’s suppliers are still allowed to use a type of antibiotic not used to treat humans, called ionophores.
—Samantha Bomkamp, chicagotribune.com, 23 Aug. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Ionophore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionophore. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
ionophore
noun
ion·o·phore
ī-ˈän-ə-ˌfō(ə)r, -ˌfȯ(ə)r
: a compound that facilitates transmission of an ion (as of calcium) across a lipid barrier (as in a plasma membrane) by combining with the ion or by increasing the permeability of the barrier to it
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