# electrolyte

/ɪˌɫɛktɹɑˈɫaɪt/ (US) · /ɛlˈɛktɹəlˌaɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/electrolyte
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. chemistry/physics

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a substance that allows electricity to pass through it when it is melted or dissolved in a liquid.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used as a countable noun when referring to specific types of substances, or uncountable when referring to the material in general.

### 2. medicine/biology

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

minerals in your body, like salt and potassium, that help your heart, nerves, and muscles work correctly.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually used in the plural when referring to the collection of minerals in the body.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.