potassium
|po-tas-si-um|
B2
/pəˈtæsiəm/
essential mineral
Etymology
Etymology Information
'potassium' originates from the English word 'potash,' which was derived from the Dutch word 'potaschen,' where 'pot' meant 'pot' and 'aschen' meant 'ashes.'
Historical Evolution
'potash' transformed into the modern English word 'potassium' in the early 19th century.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to 'potash,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a chemical element.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali metal group, essential for the function of all living cells.
Potassium is crucial for maintaining proper heart function.
Synonyms
K
Last updated: 2025/07/25 21:54