electrolyte

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

|Updated on: 9 Aug 2018

Examples: electrolyte in a Sentence

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

But MacFarlane has found a way to boost efficiencies by changing the electrolyte.

— robert f. service, Science | AAAS, "Ammonia—a renewable fuel made from sun, air, and water—could power the globe without carbon," 12 July 2018
Benefits of the drink, as cited on their e-commerce site, include detoxifying properties, electrolytes, antioxidants, minerals, and the ability to balance PH levels.

— Essence.com, "This Black-Owned Water Company Is Gaining Global Attention," 11 July 2018
Water is always best; sports drinks and juices are useful to replace electrolytes.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "Extended heatwave in Philadelphia amid July 4th crowds adds to health concerns," 2 July 2018
That said, while more cars won't start on cold winter mornings, more batteries actually fail during the summer months, when intense heat cooks out the electrolyte, boiling the battery dry.

— mike allen, Popular Mechanics, "Debunking 5 Cold-Weather Car Myths," 15 May 2018
Cramping of muscles can be for a number of different issues, including electrolytes not getting to the muscles.

— katherine harmon, Scientific American, "How Does a Heat Wave Affect the Human Body?," 23 July 2010
Food, electrolyte drinks, drinking water, medicine and oxygen canisters have been delivered to them.

— tassanee vejpongsa and kaweewit kaewjinda, BostonGlobe.com, "The hidden, high-tech world of communications at Fenway Park," 8 July 2018
Food, electrolyte drinks, drinking water, medicine and oxygen canisters have been delivered to them.

— author: tassanee vejpongsa, kaweewit kaewjinda, Anchorage Daily News, "Operation starts to rescue Thai boys in flooded cave," 8 July 2018
Food, electrolyte drinks, drinking water, medicine and oxygen canisters have been delivered to them.

— Washington Post, "Operation to rescue Thai boys in flooded cave starts," 8 July 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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ELECTROLYTE Defined for English Language Learners

electrolyte

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

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

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