barium

noun

bar·​i·​um ˈber-ē-əm How to pronounce barium (audio)
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

Examples of barium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Rare earth barium copper oxide superconducting magnets created by Cambridge Fusion Systems in partnership with scientists at MIT are smaller, more powerful and need less energy to run. Siddhant Pusdekar, Journal Sentinel, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for barium 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of barium was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near barium

Cite this Entry

“Barium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barium. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

barium

noun
bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm How to pronounce barium (audio)
ˈber-
: a silver-white poisonous metallic element see element

Medical Definition

barium

noun
bar·​i·​um ˈbar-ē-əm, ˈber- How to pronounce barium (audio)
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

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