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

Keep toppings, sodium, and portions in mind, and add vegetables, seeds, or other nutrient-rich foods for extra nutrition. — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 24 Sep. 2026

Compare sodium per half-cup across two or three brands at your grocery store, and pick a lower-sodium option as your everyday tub. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026

The sodium-ion project is separate from another expansion already planned at CBAK’s existing Nanjing plant. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

May Help Lower Blood Pressure Basil seeds contain potassium, which helps manage blood pressure by counteracting sodium’s effects and relaxing blood vessels. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 23 Sep. 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