sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsō-dē-əm 

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

The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026

High-sodium foods can increase thirst and may contribute to temporary bloating during flights. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026

Tylenol quickly reduces pain signals while naproxen sodium targets pain associated with inflammation, said Michelle Bateson, who oversees North America research and development at Kenvue, Tylenol's parent company. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Turkey bacon has about the same amount of protein, but half as much sodium and saturated fats as pork bacon. — Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English soda

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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 lamp
• sodium lauryl sulfate
• sodium metasilicate
• sodium nitrate
• sodium nitrite
• sodium pump
• sodium salicylate
• sodium sulfate
• sodium thiosulfate
• sodium tripolyphosphate
• sodium-vapor lamp

Rhymes for sodium

• chenopodium
• lycopodium
• monosodium
• polypodium
• disodium
• plasmodium
• propodeum
• trisodium
• odium
• podium
• rhodium

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