Word
electrolyte
Phoneticselec·trolyte
US/ɪˌɫɛktɹɑˈɫaɪt/
UK/ɛlˈɛktɹəlˌaɪt/
Definitions
01chemistry/physics
n. a substance that allows electricity to pass through it when it is melted or dissolved in a liquid.
n. a substance that dissociates into ions in solution or when molten, thereby becoming electrically conductive.
“The battery contains a liquid electrolyte that helps the current flow between the two ends.”
“In a lead-acid battery, the electrolyte consists of a diluted sulfuric acid solution that facilitates the movement of ions during the discharge cycle.”
Technical
Usage
Often used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of substances, or uncountable when referring to the material in general.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02medicine/biology
n. minerals in your body, like salt and potassium, that help your heart, nerves, and muscles work correctly.
n. any of the various ions, such as sodium, potassium, or chloride, required by cells to regulate electric charge and flow of water across membranes.
“After running the marathon, he drank a special drink to replace his lost electrolytes.”
“Severe dehydration can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, potentially causing cardiac arrhythmia or muscle spasms if sodium and potassium levels are not restored.”
Technical
Usage
Usually used in the plural when referring to the collection of minerals in the body.
Real-World Examples
“After blowing through five packs of electrolytes in the dry Arizona heat in June, I flew back home to cool, coastal Maine with a headache that lasted for three days.” “Most commercial batteries use specially formulated liquid or solid electrolytes.” Etymology
From electro- + -lyte, from electrolysis. Coined by British scientist Michael Faraday in 1834.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.