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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
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from potassa potash, from English potash
First Known Use
circa 1807, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing potassium
Dictionary Entries Near potassium
Cite this Entry
“Potassium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on potassium
Nglish: Translation of potassium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium
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