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

With the appropriate electrode materials, the electrolyte could also be used to manufacture flexible batteries. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026

Gatorade launches Lower Sugar line of drinks This week, Gatorade announced a new sports drink lineup with no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors, and with 75% less sugar than the brand's Thirst Quencher electrolyte drinks. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026

Available in 12-ounce cans, the drinks feature a combination of plant protein, fiber, antioxidants and electrolytes, according to a Beyond Meat news release. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026

Is there a best time of day to drink electrolytes? —Michele Ross, SELF, 3 Mar. 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
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

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