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.
Researchers from the University of Electro-Communications (UEC Tokyo) and Nichia Corporation have investigated a solid electrolyte made primarily from relatively light elements. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 Puffy-eyed and sniffly after crying through an audition, Rife explained over a video call why Uncrustables and electrolyte powder, the music of Sam Barber, and scary movies made his list of essentials. — Kathryn Shattuck, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026 Sports drinks are designed to help replace water and electrolytes lost through sweating after activity. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 To worsen matters, the tent’s only electrolyte analyzer was backlogged and every vital-signs monitor was in use. — Vibhu Krishna, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for electrolyte

See All Rhymes for electrolyte

Browse Nearby Words

electrolysis
electrolyte
electrolyte acid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Electrolyte.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolyte. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on electrolyte

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about electrolyte

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