# lithium

/ˈɫɪθiəm/ (US) · /lˈɪθiəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lithium
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. chemical element

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a very light, soft, silver-coloured metal that is a chemical element.

For teachers: the lightest solid chemical element, an alkali metal with atomic number 3. Uncountable in its elemental sense.

- Lithium is a very reactive metal that must be stored in oil to prevent it from reacting with air.
- As the lightest of all metals, lithium possesses a high electrochemical potential, making it an ideal component for high-energy-density applications.

### 2. battery technology

noun · CEFR B2

the material used inside rechargeable batteries for phones, laptops, and electric cars.

For teachers: the active material in high-capacity rechargeable batteries. Often used attributively in 'lithium-ion'.

- Most modern smartphones use lithium batteries because they last a long time and are very light.
- The global demand for lithium has surged alongside the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market and renewable energy storage solutions.

### 3. medicine

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a drug used by doctors to treat certain mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder.

For teachers: lithium carbonate or other lithium salts administered as a psychiatric medication to stabilise mood. Uncountable when referring to the medication.

- The doctor prescribed lithium to help balance his mood and prevent episodes of depression.
- Patients prescribed lithium require regular blood tests to ensure the drug remains within a narrow therapeutic range and to monitor kidney function.

Usage: Usually refers to lithium carbonate in a medical context.

## Examples

- My phone uses a lithium battery.
- The new electric car relies on lithium-ion batteries to travel long distances without charging.
- The global demand for lithium has surged as manufacturers seek to reduce carbon emissions by transitioning from fossil fuels to electric vehicles.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.