(ī-ŏn'ĭk) A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite charges. Ionic bonds form when one atom gives up one or more electrons to another atom. These bonds can form between a pair of atoms or between molecules and are the type of bond found in salts.
ionic bond in Culture
ionic bond [(eye-on-ik)]
A chemical bond in which one atom gives up an electron to another, thereby generating an electrical force that holds the atoms together.
Note: Many crystals are held together by ionic bonds.