lithium

lithium — noun

1. a soft, silver-white metal, the lightest among all solid elements. It reacts eas

1.名詞B1
釋義

a soft, silver-white metal, the lightest among all solid elements. It reacts easily with other substances and conducts electricity well, making it useful for rechargeable batteries, heat-resistant glass, and industrial lubricants.

例句

Lithium batteries power most electric cars on the road today.

collocation: lithium batteries

Bao recycled old lithium-ion batteries at the local collection centre.

compound form: lithium-ion

同義詞
  • Li

    the chemical symbol, used in formulas, labels, and technical writing

用法筆記

Lithium is an uncountable noun with no plural form. It is always referred to by the chemical symbol Li in scientific writing. The word is often used in compound nouns such as lithium-ion and lithium-polymer to describe battery types.

常見錯誤

❌Lithiums are used in batteries.
✅Lithium is used in batteries.
💡lithium is uncountable, so it has no plural form.
❌A lithium is a light metal.
✅Lithium is a light metal.
💡do not use the indefinite article 'a' with uncountable nouns.

2. any of several salts of lithium, chiefly lithium carbonate, taken as a mood-stab

2.名詞C1
釋義

any of several salts of lithium, chiefly lithium carbonate, taken as a mood-stabilising medicine. It is most often prescribed for people with bipolar disorder to reduce the severity and frequency of manic episodes. In industry, lithium carbonate is also used in making glass, ceramics, and enamels.

例句

Camila's psychiatrist prescribed lithium to help control her mood swings.

collocation: prescribe lithium

Patients taking lithium need regular blood tests to monitor their levels.

collocation: taking lithium / monitor levels

同義詞
  • lithium carbonate

    the specific salt form prescribed as medication; more precise in medical contexts

  • mood stabiliser

    broader category of drugs; lithium belongs to this class but is not a synonym

用法筆記

In medical contexts, 'lithium' usually refers to lithium carbonate, the salt form used as a mood stabiliser. It is often used in phrases like 'on lithium' (e.g. 'patients on lithium') meaning undergoing lithium therapy. Therapeutic levels are narrow, so regular blood monitoring is essential.

常見錯誤

❌He was prescribed lithiums for his condition.
✅He was prescribed lithium for his condition.
💡lithium is uncountable even when referring to medication.
❌Lithium is a metal that doctors use.
✅Lithium (lithium carbonate) is used as a mood stabiliser.
💡the medical sense refers to the salt, not the pure metal.