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isoelectric

adjective iso·elec·tric \ ˌī-sō-i-ˈlek-trik \

Definition of isoelectric

1 : having or representing zero difference of electric potential

2 : being the pH at which the electrolyte will not migrate in an electric field

the isoelectric point of a protein

Origin and Etymology of isoelectric

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1877

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

isoelectric

adjective iso·elec·tric \ ˌī-sō-i-ˈlek-trik \

medical Definition of isoelectric

1 : relating to or being a flat line on an electroencephalogram indicating a lack of electrical brain activity : demonstrating an absence of brain waves

An isoeletric EEG may be purposely induced by the administration of a barbiturate or propofol to protect the brain during neurosurgery or to stop generalized seizures.
—Emery N. Brown et al., The New England Journal of Medicine, 30 Dec. 2010

2 : relating to or being the isoelectric point of a molecule or surface

The cytokeratin polypeptides range in apparent molecular weights from 40,000 to 68,000 and isoelectric pH values from 5 to 8 …
—Brian Anderton, Nature, 17-23 Mar. 1983

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