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lithium

[lith-ee-uhm]

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

/ 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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

lithium

  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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Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium1

From New Latin, dating back to 1810–20; lith-, -ium
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Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium1

C19: New Latin, from litho- + -ium
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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.

In July, US officials visited Mali to discuss counterterrorism cooperation and economic partnerships, including potential access to Mali's gold and lithium reserves.

Read more on BBC

More set up shop in recent years to refine lithium for electric-vehicle batteries and crank out plastic pellets.

On Thursday, Beijing also said it would require licenses for exports of certain lithium batteries and some equipment and materials used to make them.

Alongside copper, lithium and steel, it is one of the four key metals needed for the transition to new energy sources, according to BloombergNEF.

Rare earths and other critical minerals such as lithium are vital to a host of industries, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics and defense.

Read more on MarketWatch

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