barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈber-ē-əm 

1

: a silver-white metallic element of the alkaline earth metal group with atomic number 56 that is used especially in drilling fluid, as a getter in vacuum tubes, and as a contrast agent in medical imaging see Chemical Elements Table

2

: barium sulfate

Examples of barium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This procedure uses X-rays to examine your rectum, large intestine, and the lower part of the small intestine after administration of a barium enema (a liquid containing barium sulfate that, when in the body, highlights parts of the GI tract) into your rectum. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024

This system uses an isotope of ytterbium for qubits and barium ions for cooling. —Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

This imaging test uses an X-ray and barium solution to observe the shape and coordination of the esophagus after swallowing. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 July 2024

Crystal, however, also has lead oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, or potassium oxide added. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

barytes "barium sulfate" + -ium — more at barite

Note: The name barium was introduced, along with strontium and calcium, by Humphry davy in "Electro-Chemical Researches, on the Decomposition of the Earths; with Observations on the Metals obtained from the alkaline Earths, and on the Amalgam procured from Ammonia," "Read June 30th, 1808," Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London, vol. 98 (1808), part 1, p. 346.

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing barium

• barium sulfate

Kids Definition

barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm 

ˈber-

: a silver-white poisonous metallic element see element

Medical Definition

barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm, ˈber- 

1

: a silver-white malleable toxic bivalent metallic element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs only in combination

—symbol Ba see Chemical Elements Table

2

: barium sulfate