Word
sodium
Phoneticssodi·um
US/ˈsoʊdiəm/
UK/sˈəʊdiəm/
Definitions
01chemical element
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a soft, silver-white metal that reacts strongly with water and is never found alone in nature.
n. the chemical element with atomic number 11; a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is highly reactive and occurs naturally only in compounds.
“Pure sodium is so soft that you can cut it with a kitchen knife.”
“The chemist demonstrated how pure sodium reacts violently when exposed to water, producing hydrogen gas and a strong alkaline solution.”
Usage
Uncountable in its chemical sense.
Synonyms
02salt or dietary intake
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. the part of salt that can affect your health; often used when talking about food and diet.
n. the sodium content found in food, typically as a component of sodium chloride (table salt).
“The doctor told him to eat less sodium to help lower his blood pressure.”
“Processed foods often contain high levels of hidden sodium, which can contribute to hypertension if consumed in excessive quantities over time.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Another gene known as SGK1, which affects the kidneys’ ability to hold onto sodium (salt), also became less active.” “Soft water tends to be rich in sodium.” Etymology
Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1808, from soda + -ium.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sodium