electrolyte

[ ih-lek-truh-lahyt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Physical Chemistry.
1. Also called e·lec·tro·lyt·ic con·duc·tor [ih-lek-tr, uh, -, lit, -ik k, uh, n-, duhk, -ter]. a conducting medium in which the flow of current is accompanied by the movement of matter in the form of ions.
2. any substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a suitable medium or melted and thus forms a conductor of electricity.
Physiology. any of certain inorganic compounds, mainly sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate, that dissociate in biological fluids into ions capable of conducting electrical currents and constituting a major force in controlling fluid balance within the body.

electrolyte

/ ɪˈlɛktrəʊˌlaɪt /

a solution or molten substance that conducts electricity
1. a chemical compound that dissociates in solution into ions
2. any of the ions themselves

electrolyte

/ ĭ-lĕk′trə-līt′ /

A melted or dissolved compound that has broken apart into ions (anions and cations). Applying an electric field across an electrolyte causes the anions and cations to move in opposite directions, thereby conducting electrical current while gradually separating the ions.
See also electrodialysis
Any of these ions found in body fluids. Electrolytes are needed by cells to regulate the flow of water molecules across cell membranes.

electrolyte

A substance that can serve as a conductor for an electric current (see also current ) when it is dissolved in a solution . Electrolytes are found in the blood and tissue fluids of the body.

First recorded in 1825–35; electro- + -lyte ¹

Hot chemicals—vaporized electrolyte—had left a trail of toxic residue in the electronics bay.

It was “vaporized electrolyte which looks like smoke but is not the result of combustion.”

These ions bearing electric charges are believed to be the carriers of the electric current through the electrolyte.

In these cells, the same plates and electrolyte are used without change for extended periods, sometimes for a number of years.

The plates or other objects by which the current enters or leaves the electrolyte are called the electrodes.

(b) The electrical energy used in charging the plates costs less than the plates and electrolyte of voltaic cells.

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