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

The splintered fluorine atoms, the researchers report, are safely sequestered by reacting them with potassium hydride in solution to form potassium fluoride, a nontoxic ingredient in toothpaste.

From Science Magazine

PLEZi beverages contain less sugar and more nutrients, like fiber and potassium.

From Salon

A mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulfur, black powder is a type of explosive that can be made simply at home with household products and other chemicals available online.

From Los Angeles Times

Researchers have revealed how a channel that controls cellular potassium levels causes metabolic rewiring in breast cancer cells, promoting tumour growth.

From Science Daily

Michoacán is the only place on earth that grows avocados year-round, thanks to its temperate climate, abundant rainfall and deep, porous volcanic soils that are rich in potassium, a vital plant nutrient.

From Salon