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electrolyte (ee-LEK-troh-lite)

 A substance that breaks up into ions (particles with electrical charges) when it is dissolved in water or body fluids. Some examples of ions are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. These ions help move nutrients into cells, help move waste out of cells, and help nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should.



Previous Definitions:electrodesiccation, electrodiathermy, electroencephalogram, electrofulguration, electrolarynx
Next Definitions:electromagnetic field, electromagnetic radiation, electron beam, electron microscope, electronic medical record

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