fragment ion

in mass spectrometry
An electrically charged dissociation product of an ionic fragmentation. Such an ion may dissociate further to form other electrically charged molecular or atomic moieties of successively lower formula weight.
See also: daughter ion
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541 (Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991)) on page 1549
Orange Book, p. 205
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167 (Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990)) on page 2190