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

The most commercially mature flow batteries are based on vanadium ions, which, like lithium, are expensive and hard to source.

From Science Daily

It is reckoned to produce at least three-quarters of the world’s lithium batteries and more than 60% of the global market for electric vehicles.

From BBC

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