An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A metallic chemical element; symbol Na (L. natrium]. Atomic number 11; atomic weight 22.98977; melting point 97.81°C; boiling point 892.9°C; specific gravity 0.971 at 20°C. It was discovered in 1807 by the English chemist Humphry Davy from electrolysis of caustic soda (NaOH).

See also: Sodium, from soda (NaOH).