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

Bringing your own electrolytes Hydration is always a problem when flying. — Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, making people urinate more often and creating fluid loss that leads to electrolyte imbalance. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026

At Fleet Feet’s Columbus Circle store in New York, employees have noticed increased interest in moisture-wicking and cooling apparel, as well as high-electrolyte drink mixes, capsules and chewable tablets. — Nadia Neophytou, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026

The company notes that the facility will help establish a domestic source of advanced electrolyte materials at a time when battery manufacturers are seeking greater control over their supply chains. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 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