electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

1

: a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions

2

a

: a substance that when dissolved in a suitable solvent or when fused becomes an ionic conductor

b

: any of the ions (as of sodium or calcium) that in biological fluid regulate or affect most metabolic processes (such as the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of cells)

Examples of electrolyte in a Sentence

The drink will replenish your electrolytes.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, carbon paper is conductive but is prone to flooding with the electrolyte fluid that is used to bring the CO2 to the electrode. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2024

This taste-the-rainbow multipack of drink mixes has 12 single-serving electrolyte packets with four distinct flavors: Citrus Salt, Raspberry Salt, Orange Salt, and Watermelon Salt. —Lauren Mazzo, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2024

Potassium, Magnesium, and Zinc Potassium, magnesium, and zinc are electrolytes. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2024

As the name suggests, solid-state batteries contain a solid electrolyte, made from materials such as ceramics. —Sam Meredith, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

1

: a conductor in which electric current is carried by the movement of ions that are not metallic

2

a

: a substance that when dissolved in a suitable solvent or when melted becomes an ionic conductor

b

: an ion (as of sodium) that regulates or affects metabolic processes of the body (as the movement of waste products out of a cell)

Medical Definition

electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

1

: a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions

2

a

: a substance (as an acid, base, or salt) that when dissolved in a suitable solvent (as water) or when fused becomes an ionic conductor

b

: any of the ions (as of sodium, potassium, calcium, or bicarbonate) that in a biological fluid regulate or affect most metabolic processes (as the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of cells)

—used especially in biology and biochemistry