Grotthuss mechanism

noun

The process by which an excess proton diffuses through the hydrogen bond network of water molecules or other hydrogen-bonded liquids through the formation and concomitant cleavage of covalent bonds involving neighboring molecules.

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Meanings

nounGrotthuss mechanism (plural Grotthuss mechanisms)

plural Grotthuss mechanisms

  1. The process by which an excess proton diffuses through the hydrogen bond network of water molecules or other hydrogen-bonded liquids through the formation and concomitant cleavage of covalent bonds involving neighboring molecules.

Origin

Named after Theodor Grotthuss.

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Cite this entry
APA

Grotthuss mechanism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Grotthuss%20mechanism

MLA

“Grotthuss mechanism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Grotthuss%20mechanism. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Grotthuss mechanism,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Grotthuss%20mechanism.

Source: Grotthuss mechanism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.