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

Look for a fertilizer with equal nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels for flowering varieties. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025

Scientists also think that the atmosphere is populated with light-absorbing metallic gases such as sodium and potassium that help shroud the planet in darkness. —Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025

Symptoms of glycerol toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, confusion, decreased consciousness, low blood sugar levels and low levels of potassium in the blood. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

Frozen mixed berries add essential plant nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K.910 3. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 18 Mar. 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