sodium

American  

[soh-dee-uhm] / ˈsoʊ di əm /

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.

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sodium British  

/ 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

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sodium Scientific  

/ sō′dē-əm /

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

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Etymology

Origin of sodium

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

Compare meaning

How does sodium compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• potassium vs. sodium

Example Sentences

A surprisingly small number of people with high blood pressure are using salt substitutes, even though they offer an easy and effective way to cut sodium and improve heart health.

From Science Daily

A. The federal dietary guidelines have long recommended that people limit added sugars, saturated fats and sodium.

From The Wall Street Journal

“However, this is still not likely as there was at least some sodium fluoride which would help preserve the sample.”

From Los Angeles Times

“When people ask me about under-eye bags and puffiness, one of the first things I tell them is to decrease the amount of sodium in their dietary intake,” says L.A.-based dermatologist Ivy Lee.

From Los Angeles Times

Most ultraprocessed foods would be considered junk food and are high in added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.

From The Wall Street Journal