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

According to King, sodium—not potassium—is the primary electrolyte lost through sweat, and banana water doesn’t replace it. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 9 Jan. 2026

Nutrition experts contend that red meat is high in protein and contains several nutrients including iron, zinc, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 8 Jan. 2026

Though some of these preservatives were not associated with cancer incidence, others were, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate and acetic acid. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Instead, they’re sweetened with sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, including acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) and sucralose. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 7 Jan. 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