ion channel

noun

: a cell membrane channel that is selectively permeable to certain ions (as of calcium or sodium)

Examples of ion channel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But in the decades since the theory's origin, researchers have come to understand that pain perception is far more complex, potentially involving various types of cells in the central nervous system, immune cell activation, ion channel alterations, epigenetics, and chemical mediators. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 21 May 2024

Never mind that scientists have discovered hundreds of ion channel proteins. —Douglas Fox, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2018

The Sydney Funnel Web Spider Bite Sydney Funnel Web Spider Bite Sydney funnel web spider venom contains a compound known as atracotoxin, a highly toxic ion channel inhibitor. —Tim MacWelch, Outdoor Life, 3 May 2023

Nobody should be starting to eat ion channel blockers. —IEEE Spectrum, 23 May 2023

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