noun
potassium
puh-TASS-ee-um/pəˈtæsiəm/
A soft metallic chemical element needed for normal body function.
Your body needs potassium to keep muscles and nerves working.
Etymology
Potassa means potash, the substance from which Humphry Davy first isolated potassium. The element's name therefore identifies its source material rather than its silvery appearance or biological role.
In context
especially cells in the head, because the head is full of neurons; neurons love to pass potassium.
More examples
- Pure potassium is soft enough to cut with a knife.
- Beans and potatoes provide potassium in a balanced diet.
- The blood test shows that her potassium level is low.