sodium

[soh-dee-uhm]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  a soft, silver-white, metallic element that oxidizes rapidly in moist air, occurring in nature only in the combined state, and used in the synthesis of sodium peroxide, sodium cyanide, and tetraethyllead: a necessary element in the body for the maintenance of normal fluid balance and other physiological functions. Na; 22.9898; 11; 0.97 at 20°C.

2. Medicine/Medical, Pharmacology.,  any salt of sodium, as sodium chloride or sodium bicarbonate, present in or added to foods or beverages as a seasoning or preservative and used in many pharmaceutical products as an antacid, anticoagulant, or other agent.

sodium

/ ˈsəʊdɪəm /

noun

1. 1. a very reactive soft silvery-white element of the alkali metal group occurring principally in common salt, Chile saltpetre, and cryolite. Sodium and potassium ions maintain the essential electrolytic balance in living cells. It is used in the production of chemicals, in metallurgy, and, alloyed with potassium, as a cooling medium in nuclear reactors. Symbol: Na; atomic no: 11; atomic wt: 22.989768; valency: 1; relative density: 0.971; melting pt: 97.81±0.03°C; boiling pt: 892.9°C

   2. ( as modifier )

      sodium light

sodium

1. A soft, lightweight, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group that reacts explosively with water. It is the most abundant alkali metal on Earth, occurring especially in common salt. Sodium is very malleable, and its compounds have many important uses in industry. Atomic number 11; atomic weight 22.99; melting point 97.8°C; boiling point 892°C; specific gravity 0.971; valence 1.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; soda, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of sodium¹

C19: New Latin, from _soda + _-ium

Example Sentences

The team found that discarded Teflon can be broken apart and reused with only sodium metal and mechanical movement by shaking -- all at room temperature and without toxic solvents.

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High levels of sodium are the biggest concern with canned soups, according to dietitians and nutrition researchers.

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In the new study, the researchers protected the bacteria by enclosing them, along with magnetic particles, inside small droplets of sodium alginate, a thickening ingredient commonly found in foods.

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The researchers were able to dissolve them by altering sodium chloride levels in the presence of heparin, a naturally occurring anticoagulant.

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The stars within these clusters display unusual chemical compositions, with unexpected levels of elements such as helium, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum.

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