barium sulfate

noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble powder, BaSO4, used chiefly in the synthesis of pigments, as in paints and printing inks, and, because of its radiopacity, for x-ray diagnosis in medicine.

Origin of barium sulfate

First recorded in 1870–75

Words nearby barium sulfate

barium hydroxide, barium meal, barium oxide, barium peroxide, barium stearate, barium sulfate, barium sulfide, barium sulphate, barium thiosulfate, barium titanate, barium x-ray

Medical definitions for barium sulfate

barium sulfate

n.

A fine white powder used as a pigment and as a contrast medium in x-ray photography of the digestive tract.

Scientific definitions for barium sulfate

barium sulfate

A fine white powder used in making textiles, rubber, and plastic. It is also used in diagnostic imaging of the digestive tract. Barium sulfate occurs in nature as the mineral barite. Chemical formula: BaSO4.