barium sulfate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, BaSO 4 , used chiefly in the synthesis of pigments, as in paints and printing inks, and, because of its radiopacity, for x-ray diagnosis in medicine.

barium sulfate

1. 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: BaSO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of barium sulfate¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

If sulfurous acid is present, it will be oxidized to sulfuric acid and precipitated as barium sulfate by the barium chlorid.

From Project Gutenberg

A white precipitate of barium sulfate will form if sulfuric acid is present.

From Project Gutenberg

Sulfates may be detected by adding barium chlorid to the aqueous solution of the honey and precipitating barium sulfate.

From Project Gutenberg