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

Fresenius Kabi sued Nebraska the same year for obtaining its medicines, including potassium chloride, for a planned execution.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 3, 2026

"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

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

It is necessary to point out that the dissociated ions of such a body as potassium chloride are not in the same condition as potassium and chlorine in the free state.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 "Ehud" to "Electroscope" by Various