electrolyte

noun elec·tro·lyte \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt\

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.

Full Definition of ELECTROLYTE

: a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions

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 (as the flow of nutrients into and waste products out of cells)

See electrolyte defined for English-language learners

See electrolyte defined for kids

First Known Use of ELECTROLYTE

1834

ELECTROLYTE Defined for Kids

electrolyte

noun elec·tro·lyte \i-ˈlek-trə-ˌlīt\

Definition of ELECTROLYTE for Kids

: a substance (as an acid or salt) that when dissolved (as in water) conducts an electric current

: 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

: a nonmetallic electric conductor in which current is carried by the movement of ions

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