Po*tas"sa (?), n. [NL., fr. E. potash.] (Chem.) (a) Potassium oxide.
[Obs.] (b) Potassium hydroxide, commonly called caustic potash.
Pot`ass*am"ide (?), n. [Potassium + amide.] (Chem.) A yellowish brown
substance obtained by heating potassium in ammonia.
Po*tas"sic (?), a. (Chem.) Pertaining to, or containing, potassium.
Po*tas"si*um (?), n. [NL. See Potassa, Potash.] (Chem.) An Alkali
element having atomic number 19, occurring abundantly but always
combined, as in the chloride, sulphate, carbonate, or silicate, in the
minerals sylvite, kainite, orthoclase, muscovite, etc. Atomic weight
39.1. Symbol K (Kalium).
It is reduced from the carbonate as a soft white metal, lighter than
water, which oxidizes with the greatest readiness, and, to be
preserved, must be kept under liquid hydrocarbons, as naphtha or
kerosene. Its compounds are very important, being used in glass making,
soap making, in fertilizers, and in many drugs and chemicals.
Potassium permanganate, the salt KMnO4, crystallizing in dark red
prisms having a greenish surface color, and dissolving in water with a
beautiful purple red color; -- used as an oxidizer and disinfectant.
The name chameleon mineral is applied to this salt and also to
potassium manganate. -- Potassium bitartrate. See Cream of tartar,
under Cream.
Pot`ass*ox"yl (?), n. [Potassium + oxygen + -yl.] (Chem.) The radical
KO, derived from, and supposed to exist in, potassium hydroxide and
other compounds.
Po*ta"tion (?), n. [L. potatio, fr. potare. See Potable.] 1. The act of
drinking. Jer. Taylor.