Definition

1. Noun:
   • A substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water: An electrolyte is a chemical compound that dissociates into ions, enabling the solution to conduct electricity.
   • An ion or mixture of ions (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride) essential for cellular function: In biology and medicine, electrolytes are minerals in body fluids that carry an electric charge and are vital for many bodily processes.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The battery contains a liquid electrolyte that facilitates the flow of ions.
  • After the marathon, the runner drank a beverage rich in electrolytes to replenish what was lost through sweat.
  • Sodium chloride, when dissolved in water, forms a strong electrolyte.

Advanced Usage

• "Electrolyte imbalance": A medical condition where the levels of electrolytes in the body are too high or too low.
  • Dehydration can lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance.
• "Solid electrolyte": A solid material that conducts ions, used in advanced batteries.
  • Research into solid electrolytes aims to create safer lithium-ion batteries.

Variants and Related Words

• Electrolytic (adj): Pertaining to or involving electrolytes or electrolysis.
  • An electrolytic cell is used for electroplating.
• Nonelectrolyte (n): A substance that does not dissociate into ions in solution and does not conduct electricity.
  • Sugar is a common nonelectrolyte.
• Electrolyze (v): To decompose a chemical compound by passing an electric current through it.
  • They used a process to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Synonyms

• Ion: An atom or molecule with a net electric charge. (While an electrolyte contains ions, it is not a direct synonym.)
• Conductor (in solution): A substance that allows electricity to flow through it.

Related Phrases

• "Electrolyte solution": A liquid containing dissolved ions that can conduct electricity.
  • The lab experiment required a fresh electrolyte solution.
• "Electrolyte levels": The concentration of specific ions (e.g., sodium, potassium) in the blood or other bodily fluids.
  • The doctor checked the patient's electrolyte levels.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a solution that conducts electricity
   • the proper amount and distribution of electrolytes in the body is essential for health