potassium chloride

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white or colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, KCl, used chiefly in the manufacture of fertilizers and mineral water, and as a source of other potassium compounds.

potassium chloride

noun

1. a white soluble crystalline substance used as a fertilizer and in medicine to prevent potassium deficiency. Formula: KCl

potassium chloride

1. A white crystalline solid or powder used widely in fertilizers and in the preparation of most potassium compounds. It occurs naturally as the mineral sylvite. A unique property of potassium chloride is that it is more soluble in hot water, but less soluble in cold water, than sodium chloride is. Chemical formula: KCl.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium chloride¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

That technique involves implanting chemicals and tiny particles — often natural salts such as potassium chloride — into the atmosphere to coax more rain from clouds.

From Seattle Times

Potassium-enriched salts replace some of the sodium chloride that makes up regular salt with potassium chloride.

From Salon

At 11:15, Hancock was given a three-drug lethal injection: midazolam for sedation, vecuronium bromide to halt respiration and potassium chloride, which stops the heart.

From New York Times

The painkiller infusions had a high vulnerability score, as did I.V. electrolytes like potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate that are made at the plant and listed by Pfizer as potentially affected by the tornado.

From New York Times

Oklahoma currently uses a three-drug lethal injection protocol beginning with the sedative midazolam, followed by the paralytic vecuronium bromide and finally potassium chloride, which stops the heart.

From Seattle Times