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; lith-, -ium

Example Sentences

Most of the lithium costs can be passed through, and the company has the most comprehensive investment along the supply chain, which would boost investment gains, Citi analysts wrote in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lithium prices had previously been rising sharply, most recently helped by a tailwind from Zimbabwe’s ban on the export of raw ore and lithium concentrates, Jefferies says.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beijing is channeling substantial investment into the so-called "lithium triangle" — the mineral-rich belt across Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile that holds 56% of the world's lithium reserves.

From BBC

We have been investing in the manufacture of key components of lithium batteries.

From Barron's

Canada and Australia produce one-third of the world's uranium and lithium and more than 40% of its iron ore.

From BBC