barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈber-ē-əm 

1

: a silver-white metallic element of the alkaline earth metal group with atomic number 56 that is used especially in drilling fluid, as a getter in vacuum tubes, and as a contrast agent in medical imaging see Chemical Elements Table

2

: barium sulfate

Examples of barium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other heavy metals, including chromium, barium and lead, along with a substantial amount of iron, which is contributing to the pond’s brown and red color, were found during testing, according to the environmental consultant’s report. —Samantha Moilanen, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025

The magnets’ power comes from a second-generation breed of superconductor made with rare-earth barium copper oxides. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Nov. 2015

In one study, Himalayan pink salt contained higher levels of aluminum, barium, and silicon than table salt. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 18 Feb. 2025

This procedure uses X-rays to examine your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine after administration of a barium enema (a liquid containing barium sulfate that, when in the body, highlights parts of the GI tract) into your rectum. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

barytes "barium sulfate" + -ium — more at barite

Note: The name barium was introduced, along with strontium and calcium, by Humphry davy in "Electro-Chemical Researches, on the Decomposition of the Earths; with Observations on the Metals obtained from the alkaline Earths, and on the Amalgam procured from Ammonia," "Read June 30th, 1808," Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, vol. 98 (1808), part 1, p. 346.

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barium

• barium sulfate

Rhymes for barium

• cerium
• aquarium
• herbarium
• ovarium
• puparium
• samarium
• zoarium
• armamentarium
• honorarium
• planetarium
• sanitarium

Kids Definition

barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm 

ˈber-

: a silver-white poisonous metallic element see element

Medical Definition

barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm, ˈber- 

1

: a silver-white malleable toxic bivalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs only in combination

—symbol Ba see Chemical Elements Table

2

: barium sulfate