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

cream of tartar

(inorganic chemistry) An odorless, slightly basic substance which is soluble in water and often used to offset acidity.

(inorganic chemistry) The alkaline base KOH, once known as caustic potash; it has a number of industrial uses, including the manufacture of bleach.

(inorganic chemistry) The alkaline salt K₂CO₃, that is the major constituent of potash; it is used in the production of glass and some soaps.

The artificial sweetener, potassium 6-methyl-2,2-dioxo-oxathiazin-4-olate

A particular artificial sweetener.

(inorganic chemistry) The salt KNbO₃; its crystals have a large nonlinear optical coefficient, and it find use in the manufacture of lasers; nanowires of the substance have been used to produce tunable coherent light.

(inorganic chemistry) The potassium salt of hydrochloric acid, KCl; it is used as a fertilizer, and in lethal injections