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 natural sugars in coconut water also come with potassium, magnesium, and a touch of sodium, all of which help restore fluid balance, especially after exercise or heat exposure. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

Researchers found 38% more potassium inside the boat shape, which is associated with wood ash, as well as an eight-times difference in pH level. —Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026

Incorporate a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-6-6. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

Yogurt Yogurt offers calcium and potassium for blood pressure support. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 4 June 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