ionophore

noun

Any of a group of organic compounds that facilitate the transport of ions across the cell membrane.

noun

A compound that enhances transport of ions across cellular membranes, by binding them and carrying them across. As a class ionophores tend to be lipophilic in nature; each compound is usually specific for one or a small number of ions.

noun

any substance that can transfer ions from a hydrophilic medium (such as water) to a hydrophobic medium, or across a biological membrane, normally by forming a complex with it; an ion carrier