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Barium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barium

[หˆber.i.ษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Barium is a silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkaline earth metals group in the periodic table. It is denoted by the symbol Ba and has an atomic number of 56. Barium is primarily used in various industrial applications, including the production of barium compounds, as well as in medical imaging techniques to help visualize the gastrointestinal tract.

Synonyms

Ba, alkaline earth metal.

Examples of usage

  • Barium is used in X-ray imaging.
  • The compound barium sulfate is commonly utilized in medicine.
  • Barium can react violently with water.
  • In geology, barium is used to identify mineral deposits.

Translations

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Origin of 'barium'

The term 'barium' is derived from the Greek word 'barys,' which means 'heavy.' This name was given due to the dense nature of the metal. Barium was discovered in 1774 by Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele, although it was not isolated in its metallic form until 1808 by Sir Humphry Davy. The discovery highlighted barium's unique properties and its distinction from other alkaline earth metals. Its applications have since expanded, particularly in the fields of medicine and industry. For example, barium sulfate is prominently used in the medical field for imaging purposes, illustrating the practical significance of this element in modern science and medical diagnostics. Over the years, the use and understanding of barium have evolved, allowing for more sophisticated applications and a deeper comprehension of this versatile element.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,970, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.