sodium
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a soft, silver-white metal that reacts strongly with water and is never found alone in nature.
the chemical element with atomic number 11; a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly reactive and occurs naturally only in compounds.
Simple“Pure sodium is so soft that you can cut it with a kitchen knife.”
In context“The chemist demonstrated how pure sodium reacts violently when exposed to water, producing hydrogen gas and a strong alkaline solution.”
UsageUncountable in its chemical sense.
Synonymsna - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the part of salt that can affect your health; often used when talking about food and diet.
the sodium content found in food, typically as a component of sodium chloride (table salt).
Simple“The doctor told him to eat less sodium to help lower his blood pressure.”
In context“Processed foods often contain high levels of hidden sodium, which can contribute to hypertension if consumed in excessive quantities over time.”
Synonyms
“Another gene known as SGK1, which affects the kidneys’ ability to hold onto sodium (salt), also became less active.”
Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1808, from soda + -ium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.