electrolyte
noun
\
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
Recent Examples on the Web
It can usually be treated with rest, a cool environment and hydration (including refueling of electrolytes, which are necessary for muscle and other body functions). — Katherine Harmon, Scientific American, "How Does a Heat Wave Affect the Human Body?," 23 July 2010 Calcium from whole foods is absorbed and metabolized slower than from supplements, allowing our bodies to utilize the mineral as an electrolyte and improve bone mineral density. — Sara Angle, Outside Online, "Athletes, Stock Up on This Powerhouse Summer Produce," 22 June 2018 Ionic Materials is replacing the liquid electrolyte with an ionically-conductive polymer, or plastic, that's also a fire retardant material. — Lauren Goode, WIRED, "Batteries Still Suck, But Researchers Are Working on It," 22 May 2018 The electrons and ions released during these reactions travel through the electrolyte from one electrode to the other. — Svenja Lohner, Scientific American, "Charge from Change: Make a Coin Battery," 10 May 2018 This tropical fruit contains two important electrolytes, potassium and magnesium, plus antioxidants that prevent inflammation and actinidin, an enzyme that helps with protein digestion. — NBC News, "8 summer superfoods to eat after a tough workout," 11 July 2018 Drink plenty of water or sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat. — Andres Picon, BostonGlobe.com, "7 tips for staying cool in this horrible heat," 5 July 2018 Its components, which ranged from tests to measure electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride to tests used to monitor patients’ kidney and liver function, were all general chemistry assays. — John Carreyrou, WIRED, "A New Look Inside Theranos’ Dysfunctional Corporate Culture," 21 May 2018 The surgeon explained that once the body has been decompressed, some patients can experience changes in blood pressure or electrolyte or renal issues. — Lindsey Bever, chicagotribune.com, "She kept gaining weight and didn't know why. It turned out to be a 50-pound ovarian cyst.," 2 July 2018These 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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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
: 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
\
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
\
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
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