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

They’re probably caused by a toxic concoction of dehydration, muscle fatigue and a lack of electrolytes like sodium, which are essential for chauffeuring water and nutrients throughout the body. —Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024

Electrolytes are charged minerals in the bloodstream, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024

Surprisingly, some foods perceived as ‘healthy’ can also be high in sodium, such as salted and roasted nuts and soy sauce, which can pack a gram of sodium into just a tablespoon. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 5 July 2024

The danger is that people over hydrate and wash out their sodium. —Alison Osius, Outside Online, 4 July 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