barium sulfate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, BaSO 4 , used chiefly in the synthesis of pigments, as in paints and printing inks, and, because of its radiopacity, for x-ray diagnosis in medicine.

barium sulfate

1. A fine white powder used in making textiles, rubber, and plastic. It is also used in diagnostic imaging of the digestive tract. Barium sulfate occurs in nature as the mineral barite. Chemical formula: BaSO 4 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of barium sulfate¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The amount of light each barium sulfate particle scatters depends on its size, Peoples said.

From Washington Times

The researchers ultimately selected a relatively inexpensive compound called barium sulfate.

From Scientific American

The new paint contains a compound called barium sulfate, which is also used to make photo paper and cosmetics.

From BBC

The science of the paint comes down to a high concentration of barium sulfate, a compound that’s already used in paints and photographic paper.

From The Verge

Later, leached barium sulfate from the weapons program was mixed with contaminated soil and used to cover trash at the West Lake Landfill, which is adjacent to the smoldering Bridgeton Landfill.

From Seattle Times