electrolyte

noun

elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt How to pronounce electrolyte (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in the case of Factorial’s battery, there’s a solid electrolyte based on sulfide that makes its solid-state battery safer and more effective. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 Blood tests: Your healthcare team can test your electrolytes, fats, proteins, glucose, and enzymes for signs of cancer. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 27 Feb. 2025 The new batteries have solid electrolytes, and as a result can store more energy per unit mass, which means greater range, but also less weight. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025 Common types of keto supplements include MCT oil, keto salts, electrolytes, and protein powders. Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for electrolyte

Word History

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of electrolyte was in 1834

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Cite this Entry

“Electrolyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolyte. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

electrolyte

noun
elec·​tro·​lyte i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt How to pronounce electrolyte (audio)
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 How to pronounce electrolyte (audio)
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

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