potassium permanganate

noun

: a dark purple salt KMnO4 used as an oxidizer and disinfectant

Examples of potassium permanganate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One area of improvement is a reduction of potassium permanganate, which was recently added to the ZDHC Chemical Watch List. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 6 May 2026 Indeed, laser technology has revolutionized denim finishing, enabling companies to achieve worn and aged effects without potassium permanganate and manual scraping. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 24 Feb. 2026 The air purifiers use carbon filters to remove hydrogen sulfide and other gases, plus potassium permanganate filters to clear pathogens. Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium permanganate was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Potassium permanganate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20permanganate. Accessed 12 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

potassium permanganate

noun
-(ˌ)pər-ˈmaŋ-gə-ˌnāt
: a dark purple salt used especially as a disinfectant

Medical Definition

potassium permanganate

noun
: a dark purple salt KMnO4 used chiefly as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant

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