potassium iodide

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, KI, having a bitter saline taste: used chiefly in the manufacture of photographic emulsions, as a laboratory reagent, in the preparation of Gram's solution for biological staining, and in medicine as an expectorant and to treat thyroid conditions.

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potassium iodide Scientific  

1. A white crystalline compound used in photography and medicine and as a reagent in chemical analysis. It is also added to table salt to prevent goiter and other iodide-deficiency disorders. Chemical formula: KI.

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Example Sentences

Amid fighting around Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Poland also drew up a plan to give potassium iodide tablets to local fire stations, which would distribute them to the population if needed.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 21, 2022

The European Commission says it is to distribute 5.5 million potassium iodide tablets for residents living in vicinity of Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2022

If taken at the right time at the right dose, potassium iodide will be absorbed by the thyroid gland instead of the more dangerous iodine-131, reducing the associated health risks.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2022

Fears of a possible radiation release have prompted Ukrainian officials to start distributing potassium iodide, a drug that can protect against some radiation poisoning, to people living within 35 miles of the plant.

From New York Times • Aug. 29, 2022

But in the event of a nuclear accident, people who may be exposed to iodine 131 can take potassium iodide tablets, which provide enough non-radioactive iodine 127 to saturate the thyroid.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland