lithium

[lith-ee-uhm]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  a soft, silver-white metallic element, the lightest of all metals, occurring combined in certain minerals. Li; 6.939; 3; 0.53 at 20°C.

2. Pharmacology.,  the substance in its carbonate or citrate form used in the treatment or prophylaxis of bipolar disorder or mania.

lithium

/ ˈlɪθɪəm /

noun

1. a soft silvery element of the alkali metal series: the lightest known metal, used as an alloy hardener, as a reducing agent, and in batteries. Symbol: Li; atomic no: 3; atomic wt: 6.941; valency: 1; relative density: 0.534; melting pt: 180.6°C; boiling pt: 1342°C

lithium

1. A soft, silvery metallic element of the alkali group that occurs in small amounts in some minerals. It is the lightest of all metals and is highly reactive. Lithium is used to make alloys, batteries, glass for large telescopes, and ceramics. Atomic number 3; atomic weight 6.941; melting point 179°C; boiling point 1,317°C; specific gravity 0.534; valence 1.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1810–20; lith-, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium¹

C19: New Latin, from _litho- + _-ium

Example Sentences

As lithium fires can react intensely with water, firefighters had to use dry sand to fight the fire, which took several hours to get under control.

From BBC

Even the best lithium ion batteries are bulky and heavy, with much lower energy density than jet fuel.

From BBC

But the TSA said their counterpart has restrictions: cordless hair styling tools that are powered by lithium metal or lithium ion batteries or gas or butane fuel are only allowed in carry-on bags.

From Los Angeles Times

In terms of trade, both candidate's capitalist stances could indicate more support for foreign investment in Bolivia's vast lithium reserves - the key ingredient for batteries used in many electric cars, laptops and solar panels.

From BBC

The dust particles are made up of agricultural chemicals from miles of lettuce and spinach fields, manure from livestock operations, diesel exhaust, unpaved roads and fine debris from lithium mining.

From Los Angeles Times