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

This box has nearly 500 milligrams of sodium per 1/2 cup of prepared stuffing. —Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2025

Generally, it is recommended to eat foods rich in potassium and fiber, and low in sodium, to help improve blood pressure. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025

In-demand items include shelf-stable, low sodium and high protein foods, county staff said. —Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025

Researchers in Germany have developed a new type of sodium-ion battery made from wood waste that could be used for stationary or mobile storage applications where fast charging is not required. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 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 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

• 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