sodium
UK: ˈsəʊdiəm | US: ˈsoʊdiəm
n. A soft, silver-white, highly reactive metallic element (symbol Na), essential for biological processes and widely used in industry.
The word "sodium" originates from the English word "soda," referring to sodium carbonate (a compound derived from plant ashes). The suffix "-ium" is a standard Latin-derived suffix used for naming metallic elements (e.g., potassium, lithium). The term was coined in 1807 by Sir Humphry Davy, who first isolated the element via electrolysis. The connection to "soda" reflects its natural occurrence in alkaline salts.
Sodium reacts violently with water, producing hydrogen gas.
Table salt is composed of sodium and chlorine.
Low-sodium diets are recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Sodium lamps are often used for street lighting.
The human body requires sodium for nerve and muscle function.