Pronunciation: [lˈɪθi͡əm] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "lithium" is derived from the Greek word "lithos" meaning stone. The pronunciation of "lithium" is [lith-ee-uh m], with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "li" is pronounced as [li], followed by the sound of "th" pronounced as [th], and then the "i" is pronounced as [uh]. As a metal, lithium has various industrial and medical applications, such as in the production of batteries and psychiatric medications.
Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that belongs to the periodic table's Group 1 elements. Lithium is the lightest metal and is highly reactive. It has a low density and can float on water. Naturally occurring lithium is a mix of two stable isotopes, while a number of unstable isotopes have been synthesized in the laboratory.
Lithium has a wide range of applications. One of its most significant uses is in rechargeable batteries due to its high electrochemical potential. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. Moreover, lithium is utilized in various industries such as ceramics and glass manufacturing, as it imparts certain desirable properties such as increased durability and heat resistance. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, especially as a mood stabilizer in treating bipolar disorder.
Lithium compounds have important medical applications as well. Lithium carbonate is commonly prescribed as a psychiatric medication, helping to treat mania and reducing the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder. Additionally, lithium orotate is sometimes used as a dietary supplement, although its efficacy and safety for such purposes are still a subject of continuing research.
Overall, lithium plays a significant role in modern technology and healthcare sectors, proving itself as a valuable element with numerous practical applications.
An alkaline metallic element, symbol Li, atomic weight 7, of silvery white color, somewhat softer than lead; a number of its salts are more or less employed in medicine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
A white metal obtained from lithia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word lithium has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word lithos, meaning stone. This is because lithium was discovered from a mineral source, as it is a constituent of various types of rocks and minerals. The suffix -ium in the word is a common ending used to indicate an element in chemistry. Therefore, lithium essentially means stone element.
