electrolyte
Meaning: A substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in a solvent, enabling the solution to conduct electricity; in physiology, essential minerals in body fluids that regulate nerve and muscle function.
Electrolyte bridges chemistry and medicine. In chemistry, common electrolytes include acids, bases, and salts — sodium chloride dissolved in water is a simple example. Strong electrolytes dissociate completely; weak electrolytes only partially. In medicine, electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate) are vital for maintaining fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. 'Electrolyte imbalance' is a common clinical concern, particularly in dehydration. In battery technology, the electrolyte is the medium through which ions travel between electrodes.
Examples
- Sports drinks are marketed as a means of replacing the electrolytes lost through perspiration during intense exercise. 运动饮料被宣传为补充剧烈运动中出汗流失的电解质的手段。Las bebidas deportivas se comercializan como un medio de reponer los electrolitos perdidos a través de la transpiración durante el ejercicio intenso.スポーツドリンクは、激しい運動中に発汗で失われた電解質を補充する手段として販売されている。스포츠 음료는 격렬한 운동 중 발한으로 손실된 전해질을 보충하는 수단으로 판매되고 있다.
- The patient presented with a severe electrolyte imbalance, with dangerously low potassium and sodium levels requiring immediate intervention. 该患者出现严重的电解质失衡,钾和钠水平危险性偏低,需要立即干预。El paciente presentaba un desequilibrio electrolítico grave, con niveles de potasio y sodio peligrosamente bajos que requerían una intervención inmediata.その患者はカリウムとナトリウムが危険なほど低い重篤な電解質異常を呈し、直ちに治療介入が必要であった。환자는 칼륨과 나트륨 수치가 위험할 정도로 낮은 심각한 전해질 불균형을 보여 즉각적인 치료 개입이 필요했다.
- Solid-state electrolytes are being developed as a safer alternative to the flammable liquid electrolytes used in current lithium-ion batteries. 固态电解质正在被开发,作为当前锂离子电池中使用的易燃液态电解质的更安全替代品。Se están desarrollando electrolitos de estado sólido como alternativa más segura a los electrolitos líquidos inflamables empleados en las baterías de iones de litio actuales.現在のリチウムイオン電池に使われている可燃性の液体電解質に代わる、より安全な固体電解質が開発されている。현재 리튬이온 배터리에 사용되는 가연성 액체 전해질을 대체할 더 안전한 고체 전해질이 개발되고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: science, medicine, health
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Coined by Michael Faraday in 1834, from Greek ēlektron (amber) and lutos (releasable), from luein (to loosen). The term described a substance that could be 'loosened' or decomposed by electric current.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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