An ion that contains more than one atom. Compare with molecule,
ion and polyatomic molecule. A polyatomic ion is a charged
particle that contains more than two covalently bound atoms. See
Polyatomic Ions for more. a group of atoms bonded together
covalenty but possessing an overall charge, such as SO42-. a
charged group of covalently bonded atoms an ion An ion is an
atom or group of atoms with a net electric charge a tight group
of atoms that carries a collective ionic charge and can
participate as either the cation or anion in an ionic compound
an ion containing a number of atoms. A polyatomic ion is an ion
consisting of a molecule with covalently bonded atoms or of a
metal complex that can be considered as acting as a single unit
in the context of acid and base chemistry or in the formation of
salts. The prefix poly- means many in Greek. Note, a polyatomic
ion is also referred to in older works as a radical.