A soft, waxy, silvery reactive metal that is never found unbound in nature; an element (symbol K) with an atomic number of 19 and atomic weight of 39.0983. The symbol is derived from the Latin kalium.

plural of potassium

(chemistry) KMnO₄, the most readily available commercial permanganate; it is used as an oxidizing agent both in industry and in the analytical laboratory.

(chemistry) a salt, KI, formally derived from potassium hydroxide and hydriodic acid, used as an analytical reagent, in organic synthesis, and in the preparation of photosensitive emulsions and as a radioprotector to protect the thyroid.

(organic chemistry) The potassium salt of benzoic acid.

(chemistry) The potassium salt of sorbic acid.

(chemistry) The potassium salt of nitrous acid, KNO₂.

(inorganic chemistry) KNO₃, a naturally occurring salt, notably used as an ingredient of gunpowder; also used a food preservative and as an ingredient in toothpaste for sensitive gums; historically used in the production of nitric acid (HNO₃).

(inorganic chemistry) A yellowish brown solid, KNH₂, obtained by heating potassium in ammonia gas. It is most commonly used as a base to create a carbanion of an enolate.

(obsolete, inorganic chemistry) potassium bromide