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

Pique Radiant Skin Duo Ritual Compound the health of your alcohol-free month with this skin glow duo of matcha and electrolyte mix from Pique. —Chelsea Frank, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

Instead, symptoms can be managed with oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, which can help restore fluids and electrolytes that are lost from the body. —Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 31 Dec. 2024

Unlike traditional lithium batteries, which use liquid or gel electrolytes, Yoshino’s solid-state batteries employ a solid electrolyte. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 27 Dec. 2024

In particular, the brand significantly upped the amount of electrolytes — each packet contains 3,200 mg. —Emily Burns, WWD, 31 Dec. 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