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

Plus, a small handful of sunflower seeds packs a high punch of this nutrient for those who don't meet the daily potassium requirement.2 11. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 23 May 2025

People who need to watch their potassium levels, especially because of kidney or heart disease, should approach cloud coffee with caution. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 16 May 2025

Rich in potassium and super anti-inflammatory, coconut water can help rebalance the flora and fauna in your gut, along with boosting hydration—an important marker for a healthy digestive system. —Audrey Noble, Vogue, 14 May 2025

At the same time, some of the material — components such as potassium, rare earth elements and phosphorus, which are often referred to as KREEP (potassium (K), rare earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P)) — didn't make it into crystals and instead began to concentrate in the melt. —Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 5 May 2025

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