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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Cherries, bananas, nuts, milk, and whole grains contain sleep-promoting nutrients like melatonin, tryptophan, potassium, and magnesium, which are also ideal for nighttime snacking.3 1. Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Nov. 2024 Related Video Lisa’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Look Comes Straight From the VS Archives Pistachios are also high in vitamin E and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 The Moon’s exosphere is made up of elements such as argon, helium, oxygen, and potassium. Jonathan O’Callaghan, Discover Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 Proteins are released inside the nerve cell, potassium can be forced out and calcium is blocked from entering altogether, all of which slows a neuron’s ability to pass along signals. Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near potassium

Cite this Entry

“Potassium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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

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