lithium

[ lith-ee-uh m ]
/ ˈlɪθ i əm /

noun

Chemistry. a soft, silver-white metallic element, the lightest of all metals, occurring combined in certain minerals. Symbol: Li; atomic weight: 6.939; atomic number: 3; specific gravity: 0.53 at 20°C.
Pharmacology. the substance in its carbonate or citrate form used in the treatment or prophylaxis of bipolar disorder or mania.

Origin of lithium

From New Latin, dating back to 1810–20; see origin at lith-, -ium

Words nearby lithium

lithia water, lithiasis, lithic, lithification, lithify, lithium, lithium aluminum hydride, lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, lithium citrate, lithium fluoride

Example sentences from the Web for lithium

British Dictionary definitions for lithium

lithium
/ (ˈlɪθɪəm) /

noun

a soft silvery element of the alkali metal series: the lightest known metal, used as an alloy hardener, as a reducing agent, and in batteries. Symbol: Li; atomic no: 3; atomic wt: 6.941; valency: 1; relative density: 0.534; melting pt: 180.6°C; boiling pt: 1342°C

Word Origin for lithium

C19: New Latin, from litho- + -ium

Medical definitions for lithium

lithium
[ lĭth′ē-əm ]

n. Symbol Li

A soft, highly reactive metallic element whose carbonate form is used in psychopharmacology. Atomic number 3.

Scientific definitions for lithium

lithium
[ lĭth′ē-əm ]

Li

A soft, silvery metallic element of the alkali group that occurs in small amounts in some minerals. It is the lightest of all metals and is highly reactive. Lithium is used to make alloys, batteries, glass for large telescopes, and ceramics. Atomic number 3; atomic weight 6.941; melting point 179°C; boiling point 1,317°C; specific gravity 0.534; valence 1. See Periodic Table.