electrolyte

Everyday

1. (science) A liquid or paste that lets electricity pass through it because it has ions (charged particles) in it, as in a battery. tree →
2. (health) Salts in your body and in sports drinks, like sodium and potassium, that help your muscles and nerves work. tree →

In the lessons

In chemistry lessons, electrolytes are used in electrolysis and batteries; in health and sport, after sweating or being ill you may need to replace electrolytes with drinks; phrases: «electrolyte drink», «battery electrolyte».

Examples

• Salty water is an electrolyte, so it conducts electricity. tree →
• Sports drinks contain electrolytes. tree →
• The battery's electrolyte lets the current flow. tree →
• When you have a tummy bug, the doctor may suggest an electrolyte drink. tree →
• We used salt water as the electrolyte in our experiment. tree →
• Pure water is a poor electrolyte. tree →

Note

Countable. Pronounced e-LEK-tro-lite. Related: electrolysis (splitting a compound with electricity). Safety: battery electrolytes can be acid and burn skin.