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 material, left over from when the moon’s magma ocean solidified, is a combination of potassium, rare Earth elements and phosphorus found in lunar rocks. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

Their nutrient profile includes important vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 21 Feb. 2026

The United States imports billions of pounds of the potassium-rich fruit every year, and tariffs imposed on top banana-producing countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Mexico ranged from 10% to 25%. —Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

Sweet Potatoes Another good source of potassium and magnesium is sweet potatoes. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 20 Feb. 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