2K

Sodium

UK //ˈsəʊdiəm// US //ˈsoʊdiəm// Pronunciation

Definition

A soft, silvery-white metallic element essential for life, often found in salt.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A chemical element that is a soft, silver-white metal.

Examples

• Sodium is an essential mineral for human health.
• Doctors often recommend reducing sodium intake for better heart health.
• Salt is composed of sodium and chloride.
• Sodium reacts vigorously with water to produce hydrogen gas.
• In chemistry, sodium is represented by the symbol 'Na'.
• High sodium levels can contribute to hypertension.
• Thoroughly washing vegetables can reduce sodium content from residual salt.
• Sodium's atomic number is 11 on the periodic table.
• Many processed foods contain high levels of sodium.
• Sodium ions are crucial for nerve impulse transmission.

Usage notes

Commonly used in chemistry and health contexts. Not usually used in casual conversations unless discussing diet or nutrition.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sodium sounds like 'so-dium,' think of a soft, shiny metal in the periodic table.

Collocations

• sodium chloride
• sodium levels
• sodium intake
• sodium ions
• sodium bicarbonate

Synonyms

• Na
• soda
• sodium ion
• sodium bicarbonate
• sodium chloride

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'sodium chloride' which is table salt.
• Mispronounced as 'sod-ium' instead of 'so-dee-um'.
• Assumed to be the same as potassium, which is different.