electrolyte

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

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

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

Our stomachs, full of protein, electrolyte gel, and lots of water, gawked at the foreign aroma.

— mike kotsopoulos, BostonGlobe.com, "Here’s a runner’s perspective on the Boston Marathon," 16 Apr. 2018
These can affect the electrodes, the lithium that carries charge, and the electrolyte that allows the lithium to transit between the electrodes.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "New lithium-air battery survives hundreds of cycles," 22 Mar. 2018
But some runners swallow an electrolyte tablet or two every hour during a marathon.

— roy m. wallack, latimes.com, "Inspired by the L.A. Marathon? Here are 10 secrets veteran runners know all about," 16 Mar. 2018
If a person doesn’t get enough water (or loses too many fluids due to sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea), blood pressure can drop and electrolyte balances can be thrown out of whack.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "Dehydration Caused Tim McGraw to Collapse On Stage. Here's Why the Condition Is So Scary," 12 Mar. 2018
The fake womb consists of a clear plastic bag filled with electrolytes.

— nathaniel scharping, Discover Magazine, "A Functioning Fake Womb," 17 Jan. 2018
Consider bringing some source of electrolytes, such as Pedialyte, Vitamin Water, Gatorade or coconut water.

— kaila white, azcentral, "Arizona music festival survival guide: What to bring to Country Thunder," 20 Mar. 2018
Other risks include severe cramping and electrolyte imbalance, according to New York City gastroenterologist Dr. Elana Maser.

— julie schott, The Cut, "If You Want Clear Skin, Look at Your Poop," 19 Mar. 2018
Treatment for dehydration usually involves a gradual replenishment of water and electrolytes, either through sipping fluids—like a sports drink—over a period of time or through an IV.

— amanda macmillan, Health.com, "Dehydration Caused Tim McGraw to Collapse On Stage. Here's Why the Condition Is So Scary," 12 Mar. 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

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