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

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

Word History

Etymology

ion + -o- + -phore

First Known Use

circa 1955, in the meaning defined above

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