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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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

Nutrien, a major Saskatchewan-based potash exporter, said last year it would build a new export terminal in Washington state instead of B.C.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026

The country is also a major source of important commodities including potash - a product in fertiliser for which Canada is the world's top supplier.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

The White House said at the time that some sectors and goods, including energy, potash and fish, would be exempt.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

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

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

There were stumps to burn aplenty as he cleared the land, but suddenly there was no need for potash in England and hardly any demand in Vermont.

From "Lyddie" by Katherine Paterson

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---

Related Words

• manure

---