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; see origin at lith-, -ium

Explanation

Lithium is a lightweight metal that's commonly used to make batteries. A compound made from this element, also called lithium, is a medication for treating bipolar disorder. Lithium is the lightest and least dense of all the solid elements. It doesn't exist in nature outside of minerals, and it must be extracted in order to be used. In fact, it was named for this quality: the Greek root of lithium is lithos, or "stone." Lithium is used to remove impurities from metals, to make batteries, and in heat-resistant glass, among other things. Lithium salts, or lithium carbonate, can treat the symptoms of some mental illnesses.

Example Sentences

Tesla’s spending is expected to be largely focused on six factories, including a lithium refinery.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

Strong lithium pricing supported what analyst Kaan Peker calls a step-change in margins and cash generation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The bank, which maintains its buy rating and HK$66.70 stock target price, says there is a risk of lithium prices skewing higher given strong on-the-ground demand and on-and-off supply disruptions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Analysts cite concerns that increasing lithium supply, including new exports from Zimbabwe, could limit future pricing upside.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

The lithium experiment was in the hands of a graduate student named Milton White, who now got his first exposure to Ernest Lawrence in the throes of a mania.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik