Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Ión
Ion (I-un)
An atom or a molecule that has a positive or negative electrical charge. Examples are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. These ions help move nutrients into cells, help move waste out of cells, and help nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.