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electrolyte science definition
- 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, electrolysis.
- Any of these ions found in body fluids. Electrolytes are needed by cells to regulate the flow of water molecules across cell membranes.
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