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.
Electrolytes are minerals like chloride, sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 During the trial, the sensor continuously acquired signals responsive to sodium and potassium. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026 Sodium reduction stays foundational, but potassium, abundant in bananas, potatoes, beans, spinach and yogurt, is likely to appear more prominently in guidelines, apps and food-tracking tools. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026 Trees actively pump vital elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and nitrogen from deep subsoils, into their foliage. — Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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

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