potassium

American  

[puh-tas-ee-uhm] / pəˈtæs i əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a silvery-white metallic element that oxidizes rapidly in the air and whose compounds are used as fertilizer and in special hard glasses. K; 39.102; 19; 0.86 at 20°C.

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potassium British  

/ pəˈtæsɪəm /

noun

1. a light silvery element of the alkali metal group that is highly reactive and rapidly oxidizes in air; occurs principally in carnallite and sylvite. It is used when alloyed with sodium as a cooling medium in nuclear reactors and its compounds are widely used, esp in fertilizers. Symbol: K; atomic no: 19; atomic wt: 39.0983; valency: 1; relative density: 0.862; melting pt: 63.71°C; boiling pt: 759°C

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potassium Scientific  

/ pə-tăs′ē-əm /

1. A soft, highly reactive, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group occurring in nature only in compounds. It is essential for the growth of plants and is used especially in fertilizers and soaps. Atomic number 19; atomic weight 39.098; melting point 63.65°C; boiling point 774°C; specific gravity 0.862; valence 1.

2. See Periodic Table

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Other Word Forms

• potassic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of potassium

From New Latin, dating back to 1800–10; see origin at potassa, -ium

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Compare meaning

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

• potassium vs. sodium
• potassium vs. potassium chloride

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

potassium

Sodium and potassium are essential minerals that help regulate fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

These substitutes can help reduce sodium while simultaneously increasing potassium, potentially addressing both dietary goals at once.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Another possibility is replacing some sodium chloride, the main ingredient in ordinary table salt, with potassium salts.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Instead of concentrating almost exclusively on reducing salt, future dietary recommendations may increasingly emphasize the combined benefits of consuming less sodium and more potassium.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

“It has my entire daily serving of potassium and zinc!”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

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