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

The three numbers on a fertilizer label indicate the amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the bag. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2025

Cannabis plants require a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with micronutrients like calcium and magnesium. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2025

These include calcium, folate, vitamin B12, niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A, C and E, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. —Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2025

Many soil test results show that these lawns contain above-optimal phosphorus and potassium levels. —Markis Hill, Kansas City Star, 14 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