barium

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bar·i·um / ˈbe(ə)rēəm; ˈbar-/ • n. the chemical element of atomic number 56, a soft white reactive metal of the alkaline earth group. (Symbol: Ba) ∎  a mixture of barium sulfate and water, opaque to X-rays, that is swallowed to permit radiological examination of the stomach or intestines: [as adj.] a barium meal.

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