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

Gel electrolyte could revolutionize EV batteries The material, called An-PVA-CN gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), can attack the oxygen problem at the source, rather than dealing with the damage afterward. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 16 Nov. 2025

As a mediator, riboflavin cycles electrons from the battery’s electrodes and the glucose electrolyte, creating an electrochemical flow from the sugar’s energy. —New Atlas, 14 Nov. 2025

Supplements like omega-3s, vitamin D, probiotics, carbohydrate powders, electrolytes, and green powders are generally safe to consume with your protein shake and won’t interfere with absorption, said Larson. —Currie Engel, Health, 13 Nov. 2025

The brand also launched Aonic Revive, $40 for 12 cans, a sparkling electrolyte beverage, available in raspberry, passion fruit, orange and pineapple. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for electrolyte

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

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