Science, Tech, Math › Science Polyatomic Ion: Definition and Examples Share Flipboard Email Print This is the chemical structure of the pyrophosphate anion, an example of a polyatomic ion. Todd Helmenstine Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on August 02, 2022 Polyatomic ion definition: A polyatomic ion is an ion composed of two or more atoms. A polyatomic ion has either a positive charge (cation) or negative charge (anion). Examples: The hydroxide cation (OH-) and the phosphate cation (PO43-) are both polyatomic ions. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Polyatomic Ion: Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo, Aug. 2, 2022, thoughtco.com/definition-of-polyatomic-ion-and-examples-605534. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2022, August 2). Polyatomic Ion: Definition and Examples. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-polyatomic-ion-and-examples-605534 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Polyatomic Ion: Definition and Examples." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-polyatomic-ion-and-examples-605534 (accessed May 28, 2023). copy citation