counterions
/ˈkaʊntərˌaɪənz/
noun
- Ions with a charge opposite to that of another ion in a solution, balancing the overall electrical charge.
- In a salt solution, the positive sodium ions are counterions to the negative chloride ions.
- The chemist studied how counterions affect the stability of the protein in the buffer.
- When the battery discharges, counterions move through the electrolyte to maintain charge balance.