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

Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium that become electrically charged when dissolved in water. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2025

The regimen harnesses southern Sardinia’s environmental advantages with an innovative circuit of six pools, each a different temperature and concentration of magnesium and sodium salt. —Alexandra Kirkman, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The man then purchased the sodium … CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) – Cases of measles have slowed down, but that’s not stopping University of Illinois officials from keeping an eye on it. —Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 12 Aug. 2025

So sodium, potassium, and magnesium play an important role in the overarching hydration conversation. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for sodium

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

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