A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted, due to the presence of ions. Essential for many biological processes and commonly found in sports drinks.
From 'electro-' (relating to electricity) + Greek 'lytos' (able to be dissolved), from 'lyein' (to dissolve). Coined in the 19th century as scientists studied electrical conductivity in solutions.
Your body is basically a sophisticated electrical system running on electrolytes - every heartbeat, muscle contraction, and nerve signal depends on these dissolved minerals carrying electrical charges through your tissues!
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