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 2021, prior to import restrictions imposed on Belarus, the United States imported about 700,000 tons of potassium fertilizer from Belarus, accounting for 5% of total imports, according to federal data. — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Without going into mind-numbing technical detail, the OPM consists of a small glass vapor cell containing alkali atoms such as rubidium, cesium, or potassium. — New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

For coffee grounds to release their nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, they must first be processed by soil microbes. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026

Salmon is an excellent source of protein, potassium, Vitamins B12 and D, and a popular choice for most people at the seafood counter or fishmonger. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

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