electrolyte

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

2a : 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 lots of water and fluids to replenish your body’s moisture and electrolytes. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "Does Sunscreen Expire? And Every Other Question You’ve Had About SPF, Answered," 14 May 2019 Sodium is an electrolyte that has the effect of drawing water into your blood. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "How Much Sodium You Can Eat Every Day, According to a Nutritionist," 8 Apr. 2019 The most daring concept, lithium-air, reinvents the battery by getting rid of traditional metal for the cathode and replacing it with carbon that pulls oxygen atoms from the air instead of using oxides from the electrolyte. — Tom Parrett, Newsweek, "Batteries That Will Save the Planet," 13 Dec. 2014 Instead of opting for a big sports drink like Gatorade, which often contains high amounts of sugar, Dr. Burke suggests reaching for Pedialyte due to its electrolyte levels—perfect for boosting hydration back up—and its low sugar levels. — Rosa Heyman, Redbook, "6 Hangover Hacks That Will Save Your Sunday," 13 Mar. 2015 Created by an ophthalmologist, TheraTears® unique electrolyte formula is clinically proven to restore your eyes’ natural balance. — Good Housekeeping, "Suffering from dry eyes? Try TheraTears®," 19 Feb. 2019 Infants younger than six months do not need water to stay hydrated The most appropriate fluids to offer arebreast milk and/or formula which have the proper electrolyte balance. — Katy Mullens, Md, USA TODAY, "Ask a Doc: How do I keep my newborn safe from the summer heat and sunshine?," 12 June 2018 The electrolytes are pumped through the center, and a chemical reaction happens to power the battery. — Angela Chen, The Verge, "How a blue dye found in wastewater could power batteries," 6 Sep. 2018 This is actually a side effect of water and electrolyte loss, and is likely indicative of dehydration. — Jaclyn London, Ms, Rd, Cdn, Good Housekeeping, "9 Keto Diet Dangers Nutritionists Want You to Know About," 2 Jan. 2019

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.

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Last Updated

17 May 2019

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The first known use of electrolyte was in 1834

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More Definitions for electrolyte

electrolyte

noun

English Language Learners Definition of electrolyte

chemistry : a liquid (such as the liquid in a battery) through which electricity can pass

technical : any one of various substances in the fluid of your body that control how your body processes waste and absorbs vitamins, minerals, etc.

See the full definition for electrolyte in the English Language Learners Dictionary

electrolyte

noun

elec·tro·lyte | \ i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt

Kids Definition of electrolyte

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

electrolyte

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

2a : 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