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

The most widely used of them is injectable methotrexate sodium, a chemotherapeutic often used for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, brain tumors, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and osteosarcoma, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 17 Oct. 2024

This fast-absorbing cream lifts, firms, and smooths your complexion all at once with a slew of skin-loving ingredients like hydrating sodium hyaluronate and beech tree extract, which is rich in tone-evening antioxidants. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024

Each packet of this supplement includes a moderate dose of electrolytes, including sodium (260 mg), potassium (200 mg), and magnesium (30 mg), enough to provide the benefits for most people. —Shushy Rita Setrakian Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin Fragrance: Yes Neha Tandon is a journalist in New York City with a passion for writing about beauty, style, wellness, and travel. —Neha Tandon, Glamour, 28 Oct. 2024

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 lauryl sulfate
• sodium metasilicate
• sodium nitrate
• sodium nitrite
• sodium pump
• sodium salicylate
• sodium sulfate
• sodium thiosulfate
• sodium tripolyphosphate
• sodium-vapor lamp

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