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.
In addition to its vitamin D benefits, rainbow trout is also an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals like selenium and potassium. — Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 10 July 2026 Watermelon is a source of nutrients such as potassium, vitamins A, and vitamin C, as well as an important antioxidant called lycopene. — Cynthia Sass, Health, 9 July 2026 Eggplant is a classic summer vegetable that’s pear-shaped and variable in length, and rich in nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, folate and dietary fiber, according to the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 But according to studies, that water contains starches, nutrients, and minerals leached from rice, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and B vitamins, all of which are good for plants. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 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 12 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of potassium for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium

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