potassium carbonate

noun

: a white salt K₂CO₃ that forms a strongly alkaline solution and is used in making glass and soap

Examples of potassium carbonate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After boiling the ore in a solution of potassium carbonate, Vauquelin found that a solid compound formed in a yellow-colored acid. —Stephanie Demarco, Discover Magazine, 18 May 2021

And tests on the white powder found in his home later identified it as potassium carbonate, not cyanide. —Chicago Tribune, 29 Sep. 2022

But also, at the end of the year, the company determines how much potassium carbonate each customer has produced and then pays them for however much money that comes to. —Anne Field, Forbes, 26 May 2022

Specifically, after about two weeks or so of operation, while doing regular maintenance, technicians collect all the potassium hydroxide that has accumulated and recharge it with new chemicals to create potassium carbonate. —Anne Field, Forbes, 26 May 2022

The leavening agent it's traditionally made with — potash, or pottasche in German, also known as potassium carbonate — requires time to do its thing. —Carol Deptolla, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 21 Oct. 2021

While appearing to be a normal, attractive, vase, it can be broken to release the release a secret stash of potassium carbonate inside. —David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Mar. 2019

An oxygen suppressant, potassium carbonate is internationally seen as a dry fire retardant. —David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Mar. 2019

Once released, the Samsung-Cheil version of the potassium carbonate, which is colorless, quickly works to suppress nearby fire. —David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 28 Mar. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

potassium carbonate

noun

: a white salt K₂CO₃ that forms a strongly alkaline solution and was formerly used as a systemic alkalizer and diuretic and that is now used chiefly in making glass and soap