barium
UK[ˈbeəriəm]US[ˈberiəm]
n
a soft, silver-white metallic chemical element (symbol Ba) that reacts easily with other elements.
n
a preparation of barium sulfate, used in x-ray imaging of the digestive system.
Etymology
the element barium was discovered in the early 19th century and named after the mineral 'baryte' (or 'barite'), in which it was first found. the mineral's name originates from the greek word 'barys' (βαρύς), meaning 'heavy', a reference to the high density of barium compounds. this naming follows a common convention in chemistry where elements are named for a characteristic property of their source minerals. thus, the modern abstract term for a metallic element retains the ancient greek concept of weightiness inherent in its original mineral form.
Analysis
the word is a modern scientific coinage based on the root 'baryt-', derived from greek. it is not productively segmented in modern english.
Examples
barium is used in the manufacture of certain types of glass and paint.
the patient drank a barium solution before the x-ray to outline her stomach.
the flame test for barium compounds produces a distinctive green color.