Meaning & Definition of word "Barium"

noun:

• 1. A chemical element with the symbol Ba and atomic number 56, it is a soft, silvery-white alkaline earth metal.
  • Example: Barium is commonly used in medical imaging to enhance the contrast of X-ray images.
• 2. A barite mineral used in various industrial processes and as a contrast agent in medical imaging.
  • Example: The dentist recommended a barium swallow test to investigate the patient's swallowing difficulties.
• 3. A compound containing barium, often used in various applications such as glass-making and in fireworks.
  • Example: Barium carbonate is utilized in the production of glass and ceramics.
• 4. Barium compounds can be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
  • Example: Safety precautions are important when handling barium compounds due to their potential toxicity.
• 5. A rare occurrence of a chemical element that has various isotopes used for scientific purposes.
  • Example: Research on barium isotopes provides insights into the processes of nucleosynthesis in stars.