sodium

noun

so·​di·​um ˈsō-dē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists are working on sodium-ion batteries that solve several problems with lithium-ion batteries currently used in devices, including cost, and the nature of lithium mining. John Werner, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 An international research team has identified electrochemical presodiation as the superior strategy for stabilizing a new generation of low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) derived from lavender flower waste. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Jan. 2026 Speaking of the formula, it’s enhanced with a variety of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and copper—think of it like your favorite sports drink, but for your face. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 23 Jan. 2026 Initiatives include things like reducing sodium in the food supply (given excess salt in food is a driver of hypertension), and expanding health care initiatives focused on diabetes prevention, obesity treatment, and financial incentives to achieve cardiovascular risk factor reduction. Allison Aubrey, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sodium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from English soda

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sodium was in 1808

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Cite this Entry

“Sodium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodium. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

sodium

noun
so·​di·​um ˈsōd-ē-əm How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce sodium (audio)
: 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

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