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

Several manufacturers, including CATL, are developing hybrid battery packs that combine lithium-ion and sodium-ion cells in a single vehicle. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Anchovies and sardines aren’t naturally high in sodium (or salt), but jarred or canned versions often have a lot of salt added. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 31 July 2026

Depending on which plant serves you, Philly tap water carries 4 to 44 milligrams of sodium per 8-ounce glass. — Christine Kirchhoff, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

Rich in humectants like glycerin and sodium PCA, this will keep your skin looking more hydrated and glowy. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 27 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