| − | An atom that has gained or lost electrons and thus has become electrically charged.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> | + | An atom or group of atoms that is possessed of an imbalance of electrons and protons, yielding a net electromagnetic charge.<ref>Wile, Dr. Jay L. ''Exploring Creation With Chemistry''. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1998</ref> |