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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ionophore.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

ion + -o- + -phore

First Known Use

circa 1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ionophore was circa 1955

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ionophore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ionophore. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.

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Medical 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

ionophorous

ī-ə-ˈnäf-ə-rəs

adjective