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

Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium are the primary ones followed by sulfur. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 2026

Rely on the soil sample analysis to determine the levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and boron in your soil. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Mar. 2026

In addition to being high in protein, adzuki beans are extraordinarily high in potassium, providing 610 milligrams (mg) per half-cup serving. —Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Zenker adds that beet juice is also rich in antioxidants and potassium. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 11 Mar. 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