definitions

barium sulfate

noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, BaSO4, used chiefly in the synthesis of pigments, as in paints and printing inks, and, because of its radiopacity, for x-ray diagnosis in medicine.

Nearby words

barium hydroxide, barium meal, barium oxide, barium peroxide, barium stearate, barium sulfate, barium sulfide, barium sulphate, barium thiosulfate, barium titanate, barium x-ray

Origin of barium sulfate

First recorded in 1870–75
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Medicine definitions for barium sulfate

barium sulfate

n.

A fine white powder used as a pigment and as a contrast medium in x-ray photography of the digestive tract.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for barium sulfate

barium sulfate

A fine white powder used in making textiles, rubber, and plastic. It is also used in diagnostic imaging of the digestive tract. Barium sulfate occurs in nature as the mineral barite. Chemical formula: BaSO4.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.