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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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


potassium

/ pə-tăsē-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.


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Derived Forms

  • poˈtassic, adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium1

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; potassa, -ium
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Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium1

C19: New Latin potassa potash
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Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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potassicpotassium acetate