Definition of "sodium" []

• A soft, light, extremely malleable silver-white metallic element that reacts explosively with water, is naturally abundant in combined forms, especially in common salt, and is used in the production of a wide variety of industrially important compounds. Atomic number 11; atomic weight 22.99; melting point 97.8°C; boiling point 892°C; specific gravity 0.971; valence 1. See Table at element. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A diet high in sodium, fats, meat, and sugar and low in fiber, vegetable protein, and unrefined carbohydrates increases the risk for renal stone disease."
• "And over a third of that sodium is in the ketchup, and a third in the bun."
• "The products contain sodium fluoride, which is effective in preventing cavities but has not been shown to be effective in removing plaque or preventing gum disease, the FDA said."