Which best describes the term "electrolyte"?

The term "electrolyte" is best described as a substance that dissociates into ions when dissolved in water, which allows it to conduct electricity. When an electrolyte is added to water, it separates into positively and negatively charged ions. These ions are necessary for conducting electric current, making electrolytes essential in various applications, such as in batteries and biological systems like nerve function and muscle contraction.

The definition directly relates to the fundamental behavior of electrolytes in solution, emphasizing their ability to form ions and thus conduct electricity. This property distinguishes electrolytes from non-electrolytes, which do not dissociate into ions and therefore do not conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Other options do not accurately capture the definition of electrolytes, either by mischaracterizing their properties or focusing on unrelated aspects.