Definitions by devmodesquad

dispositive 

The determinative factor in a decision or question, especially in law.

Whether he blew a .08 or higher on the breathalyzer is dispositive as to whether he will be found guilty of DUI.

dispositive by devmodesquad November 22, 2010

ion 

An atom or molecule with an unequal number of protons and electrons, yielding a charge.

When salt is added to water it dissolves by breaking into it's conjugate ions.

ion by devmodesquad January 15, 2008

zwitterion

A molecule that has >1 localized charges which may be of opposite polarity. That is to say, it may be a positive ion on one side, and a negative ion on the other.

Most free amino acids form zwitterions, and in this way the negative and positive ends join together to form a chain. When these chains reach a length of thousands of links they become proteins.

zwitterion by devmodesquad January 15, 2008