lithium

American  

[lith-ee-uhm] / ˈlɪθ i əm /

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 British  

/ 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 Scientific  

/ lĭth′ē-əm /

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

---

Etymology

Origin of lithium

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

Example Sentences

Using a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one inside a battery could enable rechargeable lithium metal batteries that are safer, store much more energy, and recharge far faster than today's lithium-ion batteries.

From Science Daily

Above that sits a thin layer of lithium niobate, a piezoelectric material.

From Science Daily

Rising lithium costs are unlikely to drag NIO’s margins much since a high share of customers opt for a battery swapping option in which battery costs are borne by a third party.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s been a long winter for the sector, since EV enthusiasm and growth sent benchmark lithium prices to about $84,000 a metric ton in late 2022.

From Barron's

An industrial hygiene firm found “serious and extensive” contamination by multiple toxins, including cyanide, lithium, lead, arsenic and beryllium, according to a report reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times