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

Bananas are a great source of fiber and potassium. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 26 June 2026

Studies suggest that potassium can help lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessel walls. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026

Occasionally, a lack of iron, phosphorus, potassium, or magnesium can also cause leaves to yellow. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026

This leaves behind only potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium—which are all beneficial to your garden and lawn health. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 4 July 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