potassium

noun

po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈta-sē-əm How to pronounce potassium (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Watch the Numbers The three numbers on a bag of fertilizer represent the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium the product contains. Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 Berries are also excellent sources of dietary fiber and potassium. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025 Chemicals such as titanium dioxide and potassium bromate, whose safety has been debated, are allowed in foods in the United States but not in Europe. David Hilzenrath, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2025 This can result in dehydration and imbalances in sodium and potassium levels, which are critical for normal cellular function and cardiovascular stability. Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potassium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from potassa potash, from English potash

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium was circa 1807

Cite this Entry

“Potassium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

potassium

noun
po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈtas-ē-əm How to pronounce potassium (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce potassium (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on potassium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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