potassium

noun

po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈta-sē-əm 

often attributive

: a silver-white soft light low-melting monovalent metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of potassium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In other cases, medications prescribed after surgery may generate high levels of potassium in the blood, causing irregular heartbeats, said Dr. Elliot Tapper, an associate professor of hepatology at the University of Michigan. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025

Magnesium deficiency can disrupt normal levels of potassium and calcium. —Jennifer Lefton, Ms, Rd/n, Cnsc, Fand, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

They were created by a team of Brazilian scientists, who started by producing a solid piece of water-soluble oxide glass containing common fertilizer nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025

In addition, by limiting the amount of potassium that can be absorbed, calcium helps the grapes maintain a higher level of acidity. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from potassa potash, from English potash

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing potassium

• potassium-argon
• potassium bromide
• potassium carbonate
• potassium chlorate
• potassium chloride
• potassium cyanide
• potassium dichromate
• potassium hydroxide
• potassium iodide
• potassium nitrate
• potassium permanganate
• potassium sorbate
• potassium sulfate

Kids Definition

potassium

noun

po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈtas-ē-əm 

: a silver-white soft light metallic element that has a low melting point and occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals see element

Medical Definition

potassium

noun

po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈtas-ē-əm 

: a silver-white soft light low-melting monovalent metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals

—symbol K see Chemical Elements Table