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.

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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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of lithium

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

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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

See Examples For:

lithium

Over time, this star has drawn in rocky debris from its former planetary system, introducing calcium, lithium, and sodium into its atmosphere.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

All guidance was backed apart from lithium output, which is now seen at the lower end of the guided range due to the slower ramp-up at Sal de Vida in Argentina, he writes.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

He pointed to China’s progress on lithium batteries and solar power.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 13, 2026

And she also notes that, while this type of battery is often touted as much safer than lithium ion, they do not come with zero fire risk.

From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026

The Rad Lab’s letter reporting its own disintegrations of lithium went out to the journal Physical Review on September 15 and appeared in print two weeks later over the names of Lawrence, Livingston, and White.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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