potassium

[ puh-tas-ee-uhm ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a silvery-white metallic element that oxidizes rapidly in the air and whose compounds are used as fertilizer and in special hard glasses. : K; : 39.102; : 19; : 0.86 at 20°C.

potassium

/ pəˈtæsɪəm /

noun

1. a light silvery element of the alkali metal group that is highly reactive and rapidly oxidizes in air; occurs principally in carnallite and sylvite. It is used when alloyed with sodium as a cooling medium in nuclear reactors and its compounds are widely used, esp in fertilizers. Symbol: K; atomic no: 19; atomic wt: 39.0983; valency: 1; relative density: 0.862; melting pt: 63.71°C; boiling pt: 759°C

potassium

/ pə-tăs′ē-əm /

1. A soft, highly reactive, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group occurring in nature only in compounds. It is essential for the growth of plants and is used especially in fertilizers and soaps. Atomic number 19; atomic weight 39.098; melting point 63.65°C; boiling point 774°C; specific gravity 0.862; valence 1.
2. See Periodic Table

Derived Forms

• poˈtassic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; potassa, -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium¹

C19: New Latin potassa potash

Example Sentences

That’s because the kidneys, which filter out waste from the blood, maintain a special ratio of electrolytes, such as sodium, to potassium, to water.

From Popular-Science

In most insects, large “principal” cells pull in positively charged ions, such as potassium.

From Science News For Students

Plants get a boost from fertilizer, but check the ratio of key nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — to see if it matches the plant you’re feeding.

From Washington Post

Like a skunk’s spray, their traces of sodium and potassium would stand out amid the company of less potent atoms.

From MIT Technology Review

India’s iodization push of the 1980s and 1990s succeeded because the government helped saltmakers buy modern equipment and provided free potassium iodate and technical support.

From MIT Technology Review

It takes around 48 hours for a patient poisoned with potassium to die, which gave Poggiali plenty of distance from the deaths.

From The Daily Beast

The summertime staple is also a good source of potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. 2.

From The Daily Beast

Unlike sports beverages, coconut water is low in carbohydrates, while still rich in potassium.

From The Daily Beast

They also have potassium for hydration and iron for healthy circulation.

From The Daily Beast

Feel good about using cottage cheese as a dip because it delivers calcium, quality protein and potassium.

From The Daily Beast

By far the most important of the conjugate sulphates and representative of the group is potassium indoxyl sulphate.

From Project Gutenberg

Indol is absorbed and oxidized into indoxyl, which combines with potassium and sulphuric acid and is thus excreted.

From Project Gutenberg

Bromide of potassium is generally recognised as the most effective anti-epileptic remedy we at present possess.

From Project Gutenberg

For the last six years he has regularly taken the bromides of potassium and ammonium (one drachm and a half) daily.

From Project Gutenberg

For six years past she has taken regularly the bromides of potassium and ammonium, one drachm of each daily.

From Project Gutenberg