isoelectric

adjective

iso·​elec·​tric ˌī-sō-i-ˈlek-trik 

1

: having or representing zero difference of electric potential

2

: being the pH at which the electrolyte will not migrate in an electric field

the isoelectric point of a protein

Examples of isoelectric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

When the brain is starved of blood flow (ischemia) and oxygen (anoxia), the patient faints in a fraction of a minute and his or her electroencephalogram, or EEG, becomes isoelectric—in other words, flat. —Christof Koch, Scientific American, 19 May 2020

Only a flat line everywhere—a global isoelectric line—implying a complete absence of any sort of consciousness. —Christof Koch, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing isoelectric

• isoelectric focusing

Medical Definition

isoelectric

adjective

iso·​elec·​tric ˌī-sō-i-ˈlek-trik 

1

: relating to or being a flat line on an electroencephalogram indicating a lack of electrical brain activity : demonstrating an absence of brain waves

An isoelectric EEG may be purposely induced by the administration of a barbiturate or propofol to protect the brain during neurosurgery or to stop generalized seizures.

—Emery N. Brown et al., The New England Journal of Medicine

2

: relating to or being the isoelectric point of a molecule or surface

The cytokeratin polypeptides range in apparent molecular weights from 40,000 to 68,000 and isoelectric pH values from 5 to 8 …

—Brian Anderton, Nature