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

Essential minerals like potassium and folate are higher in whole beets than beet juice.15 Likewise, the nutrition profile of beet powder differs from beet juice. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025

Bananas and their peels do indeed contain potassium, which is a major nutrient for plants. —Marin Independent Journal, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

Compost provides the primary nutrients plants need—nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium—as well as important micronutrients. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2025

When salty water is absorbed into the soil, sodium ions displace nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus, interfering with beneficial microbes. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Jan. 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