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

"Salt particles -- specifically sodium chloride and potassium chloride -- are most often used" as cloud-seeding agents, said Adnan Yarmohammed, one of the Emirati officials in charge of sharing his country's experience.

From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026

FA reduced the rise in intracellular calcium caused by potassium chloride.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 30, 2026

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

It soon followed Oklahoma, adding pancuronium bromide and potassium chloride.

From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2022

After separating the potassium chloride from the magnesium chloride and other substances found in Stassfurt salts the methods of manufacture of caustic potash are identical to those of caustic soda.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by E. G. Thomssen