sodium

[ soh-dee-uhm ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Chemistry. a soft, silver-white, metallic element that oxidizes rapidly in moist air, occurring in nature only in the combined state, and used in the synthesis of sodium peroxide, sodium cyanide, and tetraethyllead: a necessary element in the body for the maintenance of normal fluid balance and other physiological functions. : Na; : 22.9898; : 11; : 0.97 at 20°C.
Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology. any salt of sodium, as sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate, present in or added to foods or beverages as a seasoning or preservative and used in many pharmaceutical products as an antacid, anticoagulant, or other agent.

sodium

/ ˈ��əʊ��ɪə�� /

noun

1. a very reactive soft silvery-white element of the alkali metal group occurring principally in common salt, Chile saltpetre, and cryolite. Sodium and potassium ions maintain the essential electrolytic balance in living cells. It is used in the production of chemicals, in metallurgy, and, alloyed with potassium, as a cooling medium in nuclear reactors. Symbol: Na; atomic no: 11; atomic wt: 22.989768; valency: 1; relative density: 0.971; melting pt: 97.81±0.03°C; boiling pt: 892.9°C
2. ( as modifier )
  sodium light

sodium

A soft, lightweight, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group that reacts explosively with water. It is the most abundant alkali metal on Earth, occurring especially in common salt. Sodium is very malleable, and its compounds have many important uses in industry. Atomic number 11; atomic weight 22.99; melting point 97.8°C; boiling point 892°C; specific gravity 0.971; valence 1.
See Periodic Table

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; soda, -ium

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium¹

C19: New Latin, from soda + -ium

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Compare Meanings

How does sodium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

potassium vs. sodium

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Iran's defence ministry denied reports that the explosion was caused by the improper handling of a shipment of sodium perchlorate, a solid fuel used for ballistic missiles.

From

Specifically, when ingested, the toxin targets the electrolyte pumps in the wall of the heart called the sodium potassium ATPase pump.

From

Called the “Nutrition Info box,” the labeling system would detail the content of saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.

From

It also confirmed there were no containers on board carrying sodium cyanide, as had been initially feared.

From

Lloyds List, a shipping data company, said on Monday that it was carrying sodium cyanide.

From

sodio-sodium amide

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