noun
dilithium
deye-LIH-thee-uhm
Dilithium (noun) means a molecule made of two lithium atoms bonded together, mostly seen in lithium vapor. Example: “Dilithium forms when lithium is heated into a gas.”
noun
1
A molecule made of two lithium atoms bonded together, mostly seen in lithium vapor.
"Dilithium forms when lithium is heated into a gas."
"Chemists study dilithium to understand how metal atoms bond in vapor form."
2
In Star Trek, a fictional crystal said to power starship engines by regulating matter-antimatter reactions.
"In the film, the crew scrambles to find more dilithium crystals to power the ship."
How to use dilithium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a real two-atom lithium molecule in chemistry, or the famous fictional power-crystal from Star Trek.
Common mistake
Most people know it only from Star Trek — the real chemistry sense is a niche scientific term.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like dilithium.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ forms when lithium is heated into a gas.
Etymology
From "di-" (two) plus "lithium", the metal.
Rhymes for dilithium
See all rhymes for dilithium →Frequently asked questions
What does “dilithium” mean?
The word “dilithium” means a molecule made of two lithium atoms bonded together, mostly seen in lithium vapor. In plain terms, either a real two-atom lithium molecule in chemistry, or the famous fictional power-crystal from Star Trek.
How do you pronounce “dilithium”?
“Dilithium” is pronounced deye-LIH-thee-uhm (/daɪˈlɪθiəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “dilithium” in a sentence?
Here is “dilithium” used in a sentence: “Dilithium forms when lithium is heated into a gas.”
What part of speech is “dilithium”?
“Dilithium” is a noun.
How many meanings does “dilithium” have?
“Dilithium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a molecule made of two lithium atoms bonded together, mostly seen in lithium vapor.
