Barium Sulfate
Definition:
Barium sulfate is a chemical compound that appears as a white, powdery substance. It does not dissolve in water, which means it is insoluble. It is often used in medical imaging and as a pigment in paints and other products.
Usage Instructions:
You will typically see "barium sulfate" used in scientific contexts, particularly in medicine and chemistry. It's important to note that it should not be confused with other chemical compounds that might have different properties.
Example Sentence:
"The doctor used barium sulfate in a procedure to help visualize the patient's digestive tract during an X-ray."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced contexts, you might encounter barium sulfate in discussions about radiology. For example, it is used in a medical test called a "barium swallow," where the patient drinks a barium sulfate solution to help doctors see the esophagus and stomach more clearly on an X-ray.
Word Variants:
- Barium: The element itself, which is a soft, silvery-white metal. - Sulfate: A compound that contains sulfur and oxygen.
Different Meanings:
While "barium sulfate" has a specific meaning in chemistry and medicine, the individual words "barium" and "sulfate" can have broader uses in different contexts. For example, "barium" might refer to the element in discussions about the periodic table, while "sulfate" can refer to various sulfate compounds in chemistry.
Synonyms:
In the context of its use as a pigment, you might refer to it simply as a "white pigment." However, it does not have direct synonyms since it is a specific chemical compound.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that include "barium sulfate," as it is a specialized term used primarily in scientific fields.
Summary:
Barium sulfate is a white, insoluble powder often used in medical imaging and as a pigment.