potash

American  

[pot-ash] / ˈpɒtˌæʃ /

noun

1. potassium carbonate, especially the crude impure form obtained from wood ashes.

2. potassium hydroxide.

3. the oxide of potassium, K 2 O.

4. potassium, as carbonate of potash.

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potash British  

/ ˈpɒtˌæʃ /

noun

1. another name for potassium carbonate, esp the form obtained by leaching wood ash

2. another name for potassium hydroxide

3. potassium chemically combined in certain compounds

   chloride of potash

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potash Scientific  

/ pŏt′ăsh′ /

1. Any of several chemical compounds that contain potassium, especially potassium carbonate (K ₂ CO ₃), which is a strongly alkaline material obtained from wood ashes and used in fertilizers.

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Etymology

Origin of potash

1615–25; back formation from plural pot-ashes, translation of early Dutch potasschen. See pot ¹, ash ¹

Example Sentences

Mosaic’s core business is phosphate and potash fertilizers, and the stock has lost 16% since the Iran conflict.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

On Wednesday, Europe’s largest potash supplier raised its forecast for the year as prices for fertilizers have continued to climb as a reduction in liquefied natural gas exports curbed their production.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Potash, the potassium-rich component of fertilizers, has also been in short supply in recent years, in part because of economic sanctions on Belarus and Russia, which are major potash producers.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

According to the United Nations, around a third of the world's fertilisers - such as urea, potash, ammonia and phosphates - normally pass through the Hormuz Strait.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

There were stumps to burn aplenty as he cleared the land, but suddenly there was no need for potash in England and hardly any demand in Vermont.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

Related Words

• manure