: a cell membrane channel that is selectively permeable to certain ions (as of calcium or sodium)
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebThe possibility of preventing AP2A2 from binding to the ion channel intrigued the SUNY Buffalo team. Rebecca Coffey, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 Insects use many other classes of ion channel olfactory receptors, including ones that are much more complex and much more specific than those of the jumping bristletail. Jordana Cepelewicz, Wired, 27 June 2021 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1964, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
ion channel
noun
: a cell membrane channel that is selectively permeable to certain ions (such as of calcium or sodium)
Researchers now know that not only do all cells, including nerve cells, have ion channels through which substances such as sodium and calcium move in and out, but that particular subtypes of sodium channels govern the transmission of pain. Judy Foreman, The Los Angeles Times