ETYM New Lat., from Greek litheios of stone, from lithos stone.
Soft, ductile, silver-white, metallic element, symbol Li, atomic number 3, atomic weight 6.941. It is one of the alkali metals, has a very low density (far less than most woods), and floats on water (specific gravity 0.57); it is the lightest of all metals. Lithium is used to harden alloys, and in batteries; its compounds are used in medicine to treat manic depression.
Lithium was named in 1818 by Swedish chemist Jöns Berzelius, having been discovered the previous year by his student Johan A Arfwedson (1792–1841). Berzelius named it after “stone” because it is found in most igneous rocks and many mineral springs.
A soft silver-white univalent element of the alkali metal group; the lightest metal known; occurs in several minerals; SYN. Li, atomic number 3.
(griech.) Chem. Element, Zeichen Li, Ordnungszahl 3, Atommasse 6,941, Dichte 0,534. L. ist ein silberweißes Alkalimetall, das bei Berührung mit Luft schnell anläuft und bei Erhitzen mit Sauerstoff die Verbindung Li2O eingeht; reagiert lebhaft mit Wasser, wird als Legierungszusatz, Katalysator u.a. verwendet.
Village in Missouri (USA).