potassium
a silvery-white metallic element that oxidizes rapidly in the air and whose compounds are used as fertilizer and in special hard glasses. Symbol: K; atomic weight: 39.102; atomic number: 19; specific gravity: 0.86 at 20°C.
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Origin of potassium
1Words Nearby potassium
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use potassium in a sentence
That’s because the kidneys, which filter out waste from the blood, maintain a special ratio of electrolytes, such as sodium, to potassium, to water.
In most insects, large “principal” cells pull in positively charged ions, such as potassium.
Most species of beetles pee differently than other insects | Jack J. Lee | June 10, 2021 | Science News For StudentsPlants get a boost from fertilizer, but check the ratio of key nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — to see if it matches the plant you’re feeding.
Like a skunk’s spray, their traces of sodium and potassium would stand out amid the company of less potent atoms.
My satellite would fit in a small suitcase. | Katie McLean | December 18, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewIndia’s iodization push of the 1980s and 1990s succeeded because the government helped saltmakers buy modern equipment and provided free potassium iodate and technical support.
One man’s crusade to end a global scourge with better salt | Katie McLean | December 18, 2020 | MIT Technology Review
It takes around 48 hours for a patient poisoned with potassium to die, which gave Poggiali plenty of distance from the deaths.
Nurse Nasty Suspected of Killing 38 People in Italy | Barbie Latza Nadeau | October 15, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe 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.
6 Ways to Avoid ‘Sochi Gut’ While Watching the Olympics | Jenna A. Bell | February 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBy far the most important of the conjugate sulphates and representative of the group is potassium indoxyl sulphate.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddIndol is absorbed and oxidized into indoxyl, which combines with potassium and sulphuric acid and is thus excreted.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddBromide of potassium is generally recognised as the most effective anti-epileptic remedy we at present possess.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy | Alexander Hughes BennettFor the last six years he has regularly taken the bromides of potassium and ammonium (one drachm and a half) daily.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy | Alexander Hughes BennettFor six years past she has taken regularly the bromides of potassium and ammonium, one drachm of each daily.
A Statistical Inquiry Into the Nature and Treatment of Epilepsy | Alexander Hughes Bennett
British Dictionary definitions for potassium
/ (pəˈtæsɪəm) /
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
Origin of potassium
1Derived forms of potassium
- potassic, adjective
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
Scientific definitions for potassium
[ pə-tăs′ē-əm ]
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. See Periodic Table.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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