sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsō-dē-əm 

: a silver-white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of sodium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nutrition experts also caution about the hefty doses of sweeteners and sodium in some brands. —Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 2 Apr. 2024

Long-Lasting Relief: Active ingredients that target inflammation, such as diclofenac sodium and trolamine salicylate, often provide longer-lasting relief. —Danielle Zoellner, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2024

Danone’s petition cited the nutrient profile of proteins, vitamins and low sodium in yogurt, alongside studies supporting the link between regular yogurt consumption and a reduced risk of diabetes and related conditions. —Katie Mogg, NBC News, 2 Mar. 2024

Experts advise consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily. —Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health, 24 Mar. 2024

Each packet offers three times more electrolytes than leading sports drinks, according to the brand, and features a healthy blend of sodium, zinc, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium to help your immune system and energy levels. —Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024

In some cases, when the water is full of sodium, salt build-up from irrigation can prevent any kind of vegetation from growing and compact the soil. —The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024

Finally, consider the balance of dietary sodium and potassium. —Christopher Damman, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2024

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that healthy adults consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium (about a teaspoon of salt) per day. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English soda

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sodium

• sodium azide
• sodium benzoate
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium borohydride
• sodium carbonate
• sodium chlorate
• sodium chloride
• sodium citrate
• sodium cyanide
• sodium fluoride
• sodium fluoroacetate
• sodium hydroxide
• sodium hypochlorite
• sodium lauryl sulfate
• sodium metasilicate
• sodium nitrate
• sodium nitrite
• sodium pump
• sodium salicylate
• sodium sulfate
• sodium thiosulfate
• sodium tripolyphosphate
• sodium-vapor lamp

Kids Definition

sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm 

: a soft waxy silver-white metallic element that is chemically very active and is common in nature in combined form see element

Medical Definition

sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm 

: a silver white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically

—symbol Na see Chemical Elements Table