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

Drink plenty of water, broth or electrolyte drinks. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 4 Dec. 2025

Scientifically formulated to hydrate better than water alone with an optimal blend of electrolytes, real cocoa and no artificial sweeteners or colors, Hydration Multiplier Hot Chocolate delivers holiday indulgence with a hot, hydrating twist. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Lithium batteries struggle in temperatures lower than 32 °F (0 °C) because the reaction that enables them to deliver power slows down, the electrolyte becomes more viscous and increases internal resistance, and this leads to a drop in voltage. —Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 3 Dec. 2025

Advancing solid-state technology with CATL and BYD Last year, Tinci subsidiary Ningde Kaixin signed a major supply agreement with CATL to provide electrolyte products totaling about 64,600 short tons of solid lithium hexafluorophosphate for 2024 and 2025. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 29 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