• electrolyte • Part of Speech: Noun Meaning: 1. An ion of such
substances as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride,
phosphate, and bicarbonate, that regulates the electrical
current that moves through cell membranes. 2. A liquid solution
that conducts electricity. Notes: Today's word has a modest
family consisting of a verb, electrolyze, formed by analogy with
electrolyte and analyze, and an adjective, electrolytic.
Remember, that is a [y] in the final syllable, not an [i]. It is
usually used in the plural, electrolytes, since it takes so many
to make a difference. In Play: We must remember, when working at
a hot summer job that causes us to sweat, we shouldn't drink
plain water. If salt water (for its sodium) doesn't appeal to
you, drink orange juice or some other juice with electrolytes
added. Unless we replenish our electrolytes, we could face a
medical emergency worse than dehydration. "Ronny is so full of
electrolytes he glows when he stands near an electrical outlet."
Word History: This Good