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 response, Wave Texturizing Mist reimagines the ingredient altogether, opting instead for sea salt rich in magnesium, calcium, and potassium to create structure without brittleness. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 1 June 2026

My vet rechecked it a week later, and her potassium is now normal, but her phosphorous is too high. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

This colorful salt has very small amounts of iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. —Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 30 May 2026

Once your cucumber plants start to vine and produce flowers, switch to a fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium to promote fruit development, says Spoonemore. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 May 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