sodium

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: so=di=um

CIDE DICTIONARY

sodium, n. [NL., fr.E. soda.].

 A common metallic element of the alkali group, in nature always occuring combined, as in common salt, in albite, etc. It is isolated as a soft, waxy, white, unstable metal, so highly reactive that it combines violently with water, and to be preserved must be kept under petroleum or some similar liquid. Sodium is used combined in many salts, in the free state as a reducer, and as a means of obtaining other metals (as magnesium and aluminium) is an important commercial product. Symbol Na (Natrium). Atomic weight 22.990. Specific gravity 0.97.  [1913 Webster]

Sodium amalgam, an alloy of sodium and mercury, usually produced as a gray metallic crystalline substance, which is used as a reducing agent, and otherwise. -- Sodium carbonate, a white crystalline substance, Na2CO3.10H2O, having a cooling alkaline taste, found in the ashes of many plants, and produced artifically in large quantities from common salt. It is used in making soap, glass, paper, etc., and as alkaline agent in many chemical industries. Called also sal soda, washing soda, or soda. Cf. Sodium bicarbonate, and Trona. -- Sodium chloride, common, or table, salt, NaCl. -- Sodium hydroxide, a white opaque brittle solid, NaOH, having a fibrous structure, produced by the action of quicklime, or of calcium hydrate (milk of lime), on sodium carbonate. It is a strong alkali, and is used in the manufacture of soap, in making wood pulp for paper, etc. Called also sodium hydrate, and caustic soda. By extension, a solution of sodium hydroxide.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

sodium, n. Chem. a soft silver-white reactive metallic element, occurring naturally in soda, salt, etc., that is important in industry and is an essential element in living organisms.

Idiom

sodium bicarbonate a white soluble powder used in the manufacture of fire extinguishers and effervescent drinks. sodium carbonate a white powder with many commercial applications including the manufacture of soap and glass. sodium chloride a colourless crystalline compound occurring naturally in sea water and halite; common salt. sodium hydroxide a deliquescent compound which is strongly alkaline and used in the manufacture of salt and pepper: also called caustic soda. sodium nitrate a white powdery compound used mainly in the manufacture of fertilizers. sodium-vapour lamp (or sodium lamp) a lamp using an electrical discharge in sodium vapour and giving a yellow light.

Usage

Symb.: Na.

Derivative

sodic adj.

Etymology

SODA + -IUM