electrolyte
n. countablen. a mineral in your body that carries a small electric charge. These are important for keeping your heart, brain, and muscles working correctly.
n. a substance that dissociates into ions in solution and acquires the capacity to conduct electricity. In a physiological context, these minerals are essential for maintaining osmotic pressure and regulating nerve and muscle function.
Sports drinks help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
After running the marathon in high heat, the athlete needed to replenish her electrolytes to prevent muscle cramps.
Maintaining a precise balance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium is critical for the transmission of electrical impulses across cell membranes in the human nervous system.
From electro- + -lyte, from electrolysis. Coined by British scientist Michael Faraday in 1834.
Often used in the plural when referring to the various minerals found in the body or in commercial drinks.