potassium chloride

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white or colorless, crystalline, water-soluble solid, KCl, used chiefly in the manufacture of fertilizers and mineral water, and as a source of other potassium compounds.

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potassium chloride British  

noun

1. a white soluble crystalline substance used as a fertilizer and in medicine to prevent potassium deficiency. Formula: KCl

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potassium chloride Scientific  

1. A white crystalline solid or powder used widely in fertilizers and in the preparation of most potassium compounds. It occurs naturally as the mineral sylvite. A unique property of potassium chloride is that it is more soluble in hot water, but less soluble in cold water, than sodium chloride is. Chemical formula: KCl.

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Etymology

Origin of potassium chloride

First recorded in 1880–85

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How does potassium-chloride compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• potassium chloride vs. sodium chloride
• potassium vs. potassium chloride