zwitterion
/ˈzwɪtəraɪən/
noun
- A molecule that has both a positive and a negative electrical charge in different parts, making it neutral overall.
- The chemistry teacher explained that a zwitterion can act as both an acid and a base.
- In a solution at a certain pH, a molecule may become a zwitterion with no net charge.
- Amino acids in water often exist as zwitterions, with a positive charge on the amino group and a negative charge on the carboxyl group.