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

This imaging test uses an X-ray and barium solution to observe the shape and coordination of the esophagus after swallowing. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

Crystal, however, also has lead oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide added. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 July 2024

Rare earth barium copper oxide superconducting magnets created by Cambridge Fusion Systems in partnership with scientists at MIT are smaller, more powerful and need less energy to run. —Siddhant Pusdekar, Journal Sentinel, 23 July 2024

Their analysis revealed that all three stars hold very low abundances of strontium and barium. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 15 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from bar-

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barium

• barium sulfate

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