ˈsəudjəm n. Chem. a
soft silver-white
reactive metallic element, occurring
naturally in
soda,
salt,
etc.,
that is
important in
industry and is an
essential element in
living organisms. °Symb.:
Na. øsodium
bicarbonate a
white soluble powder used in
the manufacture of
fire extinguishers and effervescent drinks. sodium
carbonate a white powder
with many commercial applications including the manufacture of
soap and
glass. sodium
chloride a
colourless crystalline compound occurring naturally in
sea water and
halite;
common salt. sodium
hydroxide a deliquescent compound
which is strongly
alkaline and used in the manufacture of salt and
pepper:
also called
caustic soda. sodium
nitrate a white powdery compound used
mainly in the manufacture of fertilizers. sodium-vapour
lamp (or sodium lamp) a lamp using an
electrical discharge in sodium
vapour and giving a
yellow light. øøsodic adj. [SODA + -IUM]