Hyper Dictionary

English Dictionary Computer Dictionary Thesaurus Dream Dictionary Medical Dictionary


Search Dictionary:  

Meaning of SODIUM

Pronunciation:  'sowdeeum

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: [n]  a silvery soft waxy metallic element of the alkali metal group; occurs abundantly in natural compounds (especially in salt water); burns with a yellow flame and reacts violently in water; occurs in sea water and in the mineral halite (rock salt)
 
 Websites: 
 
 Synonyms: atomic number 11, Na
 
 See Also: brine, halite, metal, metallic element, rock salt, saltwater, seawater

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
\So"di*um\, n. [NL., fr.E. soda.] (Chem.)
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
readily oxidized 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 23. Specific
gravity 0.97.
{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 bicarbonate}, a white crystalline substance,
   {HNaCO3}, with a slight alkaline taste resembling that of
   sodium carbonate. It is found in many mineral springs and
   also produced artificially,. It is used in cookery, in
   baking powders, and as a source of carbonic acid gas
   (carbon dioxide) for soda water. Called also {cooking
   soda}, {saleratus}, and technically, {acid sodium
   carbonate}, {primary sodium carbonate}, {sodium
   dicarbonate}, etc.
{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}, above 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.
 
 Websites: 
 
Medical Dictionary
 
 Definition: A mineral that is essential in maintaining the fluid balance of the body. Table salt (sodium chloride) is nearly half sodium.
 
 Websites: 
 
Biology Dictionary
 
 Definition: Sodium is a soft, silvery, highly reactive alkali metal which has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic weight of 22.990. It is most commonly found in the form of salt, sodium chloride (NaCl). It was first identified as an element by the English scientist Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807.

Sodium chloride is a critical nutrient in humans (it plays an important role in nerve function), but too much of it can cause health problems such as aggravating high blood pressure. Pure metallic sodium is a fire hazard, and it can explode if it comes into contact with water.

Other commonly used sodium compounds include soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na2CO3), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) and caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH).

 
 Websites: 
 

 

COPYRIGHT © 2000-2003 WEBNOX CORP. HOME | ABOUT HYPERDICTIONARY