Sodium

/ˈsoʊ.di.əm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A soft, silver-white, highly reactive metal that belongs to the alkali metal group and is represented by the symbol Na.

Sodium is an essential element for human health, playing a key role in nerve function and fluid balance.

A chemical element with atomic number 11, used in various applications including the production of sodium chloride, or table salt.

The chemical industry uses large amounts of sodium to produce various compounds.

An element used in the manufacture of sodium vapor lamps, which are commonly used for street lighting.

The city upgraded its streetlights to more energy-efficient sodium vapor lamps.

In medical contexts, refers to the concentration of sodium in the blood, known as serum sodium, important for diagnosing various health conditions.

The doctor ordered several tests to check the patient's serum sodium levels.

Sodium is also a term used to describe sodium ions (Na+) in chemical contexts.

Sodium ions are critical for maintaining electrochemical gradients in cells.

The word sodium comes from the English word 'soda', and the Latin 'Natrium', which refers to sodium carbonate.

sodium chloride

Commonly known as table salt, a chemical compound of sodium and chlorine.

sodium bicarbonate

Also known as baking soda, used in cooking and medicinally.

sodium intake

The amount of sodium consumed in one's diet.

potassium

A chemical element that works closely with sodium in the body's functions.

chloride

A chemical ion that combines with sodium to form sodium chloride (table salt).

alkali

A group of chemical substances that includes sodium and other similar metals.

Sodium bomb

Referring to high-sodium foods that can significantly increase blood pressure.

Sodium content

Used informally when discussing food with high salt levels.