Usage:
Symb.: K.
Phrases and idioms:
potassium chloride a white crystalline solid used as a fertilizer and in photographic processing. potassium cyanide a highly toxic solid that can be hydrolysed to give poisonous hydrogen cyanide gas: also called CYANIDE. potassium iodide a white crystalline solid used as an additive to table salt to prevent iodine deficiency. potassium permanganate a purple crystalline solid that is used in solution as an oxidizing agent and disinfectant.
Derivatives:
potassic adj.
Etymology: POTASH + -IUM
Useful english dictionary. 2012.