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

See Examples For:

potash

The Fertilizer Institute estimated last year that 85 percent of US potash imports, key to American farmers, came from Canada.

From Barron's ● Aug. 26, 2026

In the U.S., prices for potash fertilizer were largely unaffected by the conflict.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

However, several key exports will be spared, such as energy, potash, critical minerals and fish.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

BHP Group said an expansion of its potash project in Canada will cost $2 billion more than expected, and that it expects to record a roughly $2.3 billion impairment charge on the development.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026

Once, when her grandfather stepped out, Olanna had chewed the piece of chalk too and still remembered the dulling potash taste.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• manure