electrolyte
(ɪˈlɛktrəlaɪt)
[f. electro- + Gr. λυτός loosed, f. λύειν to loose.]
a. A substance which dissolves in water or another suitable medium to give a solution capable of conducting an electric current; also, such a solution. b. The ionized or ionizable constituents of a biological system.
| 1834 Faraday Res. Electr. (1839) §664 Many bodies are decomposed directly by the electric current,..these I propose to call electrolytes. 1842 W. Grove Corr. Phys. Forces (1874) 143 All liquids capable of being decomposed by the voltaic electrical force, thence called Electrolytes. 1885 Watson & Burbury Math. Th. Electr. & Magn. I. 231 The same constituent which in one electrolyte becomes an anion, may in another electrolyte become a cation. 1950 J. Osborne Dental Mech. (ed. 3) xxiii. 384 Care must be taken to maintain the electrolyte solution in its correct condition, otherwise satisfactory plating cannot be achieved. 1960 Times 11 Apr. 1/4 Neuro-physiology, electrolyte regulation, hormone assay. 1962 Lancet 6 Jan. 32/1 Awareness of impaired function of the distal tubule..alerts the surgeon to the possible need for electrolyte replacement in patients who do badly after prostatectomy. 1966 McGraw-Hill Encycl. Sci. & Technol. XII. 426/2 The pH of acid soils varies between 3 and 7, the reaction depending on the ion saturation and the soluble electrolyte content. 1968 Practical Motorist Nov. 333/1 Electrolyte. In a car battery, the liquid filling the cells, in which the plates are immersed. It is a mixture of sulphuric acid and distilled water. |