sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsō-dē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
1
: a silver-white soft waxy ductile element of the alkali metal group with atomic number 11 that occurs abundantly in nature in combined form and is very active chemically see Chemical Elements Table
2
: salt sense 1a, sodium chloride
not used technically
reduced her sodium intake
a low-sodium diet

Examples of sodium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once the water is purified, the Kara Pod adds essential minerals like calcium, magnesium and sodium. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025 The federal funds will be used to develop and prove how an iron and sodium long-duration energy storage system can provide power to the Alliance Redwoods, located 6250 Bohemian Highway in Occidental, Calif. Noël Fletcher, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Just know that Precision Fuel doesn’t have any sodium, so salty sweaters will need to get their electrolytes from other sources. Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 26 June 2025 People with high blood pressure or heart disease should limit their sodium intake to less than 1,500 mg per day, while those without these conditions should consume less than 2,300 mg daily.14 Sauerkraut and kimchi both contain probiotics, but kimchi often contains a wider diversity of bacteria. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sodium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English soda

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sodium was in 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Sodium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodium. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sodium

noun
so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: 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

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