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

lithium

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithium¹

C19: New Latin, from litho- + -ium

Example Sentences

However, so far it has been observed that these cathode materials 'age' rapidly: the cathode material degrades as a result to the back-and-forth migration of lithium ions during charging and discharging.

From Science Daily

Experts in lithium batteries say that, when used in road vehicles, EV batteries are at least 20 times less likely to catch fire than diesel or petrol cars.

From BBC

Thousands of federal employees working to provide aid to hurricane survivors are being smeared as part of an elite plot to displace red-blooded Americans with foreigners and lithium mines.

From Salon

Some of the best examples are renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, lithium batteries and wind turbines.

From Los Angeles Times

A hazardous fire broke out in San Pedro around noon on Thursday after a big rig carrying lithium ion batteries overturned, causing at least one battery to explode, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times