electrolyte

Definition 1

Industry: Non-metallic liquid or solid substance which (when melted or dissolved in water or a solvent) disassociates into ions and can transmit electric current through positively and negatively charged ions (as opposed to electrons in metals). Common electrolytes include salts such as aluminum sulfate, ammonium chloride, copper sulfate, sodium chloride (table salt), and acids such as hydrochloric and sulfuric. See also electrolysis.

Definition 2

Medicine: Bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium and other ions present in blood plasma, cell fluid, and interstitial fluid (that fills the void between the cells of a body and constitutes a large part of its liquid environment). Proper quantities and balanced concentration of these ions is critically important for normal metabolism and other essential body functions such as exchange of nutrients and other substances among a body's different organs and systems.