Lithium definition

Its name comes from the Greek word "lithos" which means "stone."

The definition of lithium is an alkali metal with the lowest density of any solid element.

Its atomic number is 3 and its symbol is Li.

Lithium is a silvery white colored metal that is very soft.

Its density is half that of water, it is corrosive, and it is very flammable.

It is not found free in nature but is found in igneous rocks, in water from mineral springs, and in seawater or brine. Traces of lithium are also found in plants, plankton, invertebrates and vertebrates.

It is strong and lightweight.

It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.

The first man-made nuclear fusion reaction used the transmutation of lithium to tritium. Basically, that is heating the element until the nuclei are forced to fuse.

2,500 metric tons of lithium were used in the U.S. 21% were used for glass and ceramics. 20% of the use is in batteries.

Lithium makes concrete harden more rapidly, kills algae, and absorbs carbon dioxide in space craft.

Lithium hydride makes life boats inflate and lithium deuteride is a necessary component in the explosion of hydrogen bombs.

A soft, silvery, highly reactive element that is an alkali metal and is used as a heat transfer medium, in thermonuclear weapons, and in batteries, lubricants, various alloys, ceramics, and optical glass. Atomic number 3; atomic weight 6.941; melting point 180.5°C; boiling point 1,342°C; specific gravity 0.534; valence 1.

Any of several salts of lithium, especially lithium carbonate.

A soft, silver-white, metallic chemical element, one of the alkali metals and the lightest metal: used in thermonuclear explosives, in metallurgy, etc.: symbol, Li; at. no. 3

Any of various antidepressants containing lithium, esp. lithium carbonate.

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.

(pharmacology, uncountable) Lithium carbonate or other preparations of lithium metal used to treat manic depression and bipolar disorders.

A lithium battery.