electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

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)

Examples of electrolyte in a Sentence

The drink will replenish your electrolytes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Key Takeaways Staying hydrated and getting enough electrolytes—including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium—may help prevent muscle cramps. — Oluseun Olufade, Verywell Health, 17 Sep. 2026

As potassium, an electrolyte, is crucial to cardiac electrical activity, extreme cases of hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrest, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 13 Sep. 2026

Organic chemistry targets scale Unlike batteries that store energy in solid electrodes, flow batteries keep their energy-storing electrolytes in external tanks. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026

Americans spend more than $10 billion a year on sports drinks alone, according to Beverage Industry, and that number doesn’t even capture the booming market for electrolyte powders. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for electrolyte

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• chalcopyrite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite

Kids Definition

electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

1

: a conductor in which electric current is carried by the movement of ions that are not metallic

2

a

: a substance that when dissolved in a suitable solvent or when melted becomes an ionic conductor

b

: an ion (as of sodium) that regulates or affects metabolic processes of the body (as the movement of waste products out of a cell)

Medical Definition

electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt 

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