potassium

noun

po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈta-sē-əm How to pronounce potassium (audio)
often attributive
: a silver-white soft light low-melting monovalent metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of potassium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Too much supplemental potassium or magnesium can cause side effects. — Jennifer Lefton, Verywell Health, 3 Sep. 2026 Use a fertilizer that is high in potassium and low in phosphorus, such as 10-4-12. — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 3 Sep. 2026 Fiber is key for supporting digestion and balancing blood sugar, while potassium is needed for lowering blood pressure, says Elick. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 31 Aug. 2026 Men need at least 3,400 milligrams of potassium daily and women need at least 2,600 milligrams; many people’s diets fall short of these levels. — Zia Sherrell, HEALTH, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for potassium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from potassa potash, from English potash

First Known Use

circa 1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium was circa 1807

Phrases Containing potassium

Browse Nearby Words

potassiferous
potassium
potassium acid oxalate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potassium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

potassium

noun
po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈtas-ē-əm How to pronounce potassium (audio)
: a silver-white soft light metallic element that has a low melting point and occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals see element

Medical Definition

potassium

noun
po·​tas·​si·​um pə-ˈtas-ē-əm How to pronounce potassium (audio)
: a silver-white soft light low-melting monovalent metallic element of the alkali metal group that occurs abundantly in nature especially combined in minerals
—symbol K see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on potassium

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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