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

Compare meaning

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

potassium chloride

That technique involves implanting chemicals and tiny particles — often natural salts such as potassium chloride — into the atmosphere to coax more rain from clouds.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2024

The painkiller infusions had a high vulnerability score, as did I.V. electrolytes like potassium chloride and magnesium sulfate that are made at the plant and listed by Pfizer as potentially affected by the tornado.

From New York Times ● Jul. 25, 2023

States have found it difficult to obtain the cocktail of drugs they long relied on, such as sodium thiopental, pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride.

From Washington Times ● Mar. 24, 2023

However, know that if you use potassium chloride salt substitutes, your food will likely taste more mineral-y.

From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2021

The mineral decomposes while in solution, and the potassium chloride crystallizes out on cooling, while the very soluble magnesium chloride remains in solution.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William