barium
Americannoun
noun
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A soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkaline-earth group. It occurs only in combination with other elements, especially in barite. Barium compounds are used in x-raying the digestive system and in making fireworks and white pigments. Atomic number 56; atomic weight 137.33; melting point 725°C; boiling point 1,140°C; specific gravity 3.50; valence 2.
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See Periodic Table
Etymology
Origin of barium
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A significant expense would be the launch itself: The system would require 838,000 pounds of ionizable material—lithium, barium or sodium—to be lofted to an altitude of 22,000 miles above Earth’s surface.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
Far out in space, where geostationary satellites orbit, a half-dozen school-bus-size satellites crack open and start dumping barium, lithium or sodium.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026
Minerals in the powder, including strontium, calcium, and barium, formed deposits on the tooth surface, rebuilding key structures.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 23, 2026
The Environmental Protection Agency does not consider it a carcinogen; however, exposure to barium can cause gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular effects, kidney damage and respiratory problems.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2025
She was given an endoscopy, an MRI, and a barium swallow to test her gastrointestinal tract.
From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers
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