electrolyte

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noun elec·tro·lyte \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt \

Definition of electrolyte

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)

See electrolyte defined for English-language learners

See electrolyte defined for kids

Examples of electrolyte in a Sentence

The drink will replenish your electrolytes.

Recent Examples of electrolyte from the Web

Water balance throughout the body is maintained by electrolytes (sodium in salt, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.)

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "It's not just athletes that need to hydrate. Why the 'Average Joe' needs to up his water intake," 24 Aug. 2017
Being low on electrolytes (like salt) can result in nausea, among other symptoms like muscle cramps and confusion.

— amy marturana, SELF, "5 Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Before a Workout," 24 Aug. 2017
Excessive use may lead to even scarier side effects, such as potassium depletion and electrolyte abnormalities.

— sarah klein, Health.com, "Here's Why This Fitness Star Is Calling Out a Flat-Belly 'Detox' Tea," 2 Aug. 2017
Sweating also releases sodium and other electrolytes.

— gretchen reynolds, New York Times, "How Tattoos Might Affect Your Workout," 26 July 2017
Dr. Islam says water is generally best, although drinks like Gatorade can help restore electrolytes for long endurance activities.

— sandy weiskittel, Cincinnati.com, "5 tips for having a safe, active summer," 24 July 2017
Minor injuries were reported, along with a significant loss of electrolytes.

— OregonLive.com, "Not just eels: 15 weirdest roadway spills in Oregon," 19 July 2017
Children should avoid sugary drinks and opt for fluids that pack lots of electrolytes, like Pedialyte.

— sarah begley, Time, "Norovirus Is the Worst. Here's What to Know About It," 19 July 2017
The low-sugar, electrolyte-rich hydration, without artificial sweeteners or colors, work equally well in frozen treats.

— molly kimball, NOLA.com, "Homemade 'Popsicles' that are good for you, too," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'electrolyte.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of electrolyte

1834

ELECTROLYTE Defined for English Language Learners

electrolyte

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noun

Definition of electrolyte for English Language Learners

chemistry : a liquid (such as the liquid in a battery) through which electricity can pass
: any one of various substances in the fluid of your body that control how your body processes waste and absorbs vitamins, minerals, etc.

ELECTROLYTE Defined for Kids

electrolyte

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noun elec·tro·lyte \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt \

Definition of electrolyte for Students

1 :a substance (as an acid or salt) that when dissolved (as in water) conducts an electric current

2 :a substance (as sodium or calcium) that is an ion in the body regulating the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of cells

Medical Dictionary

electrolyte

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noun elec·tro·lyte \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt \

medical Definition of electrolyte

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

Learn More about electrolyte

See words that rhyme with electrolyte Spanish Central: Translation of electrolyte Nglish: Translation of electrolyte for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrolyte

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electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte

Examples of electrolyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples of electrolyte from the Web

First Known Use of electrolyte

ELECTROLYTE Defined for English Language Learners

electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte for English Language Learners

ELECTROLYTE Defined for Kids

electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte for Students

Medical Dictionary

electrolyte

medical Definition of electrolyte

Learn More about electrolyte

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electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte

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Examples of electrolyte in a Sentence

Recent Examples of electrolyte from the Web

First Known Use of electrolyte

ELECTROLYTE Defined for English Language Learners

electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte for English Language Learners

ELECTROLYTE Defined for Kids

electrolyte

Definition of electrolyte for Students

Medical Dictionary

electrolyte

medical Definition of electrolyte

Learn More about electrolyte

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