| potash |
potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide. [2 definitions] |
| potassium |
a chemical element of the alkali metal group that has nineteen protons in each nucleus, that occurs naturally only in compounds such as various salts, and that can be isolated as a soft silver-white solid that oxidizes swiftly in air. (symbol: K) |
| potassium-argon dating |
a scientific method for dating geological specimens, based on the natural rate of decay of potassium into argon, and the ratio of the two elements in the specimen. |
| potassium bitartrate |
see "cream of tartar." |
| potassium bromide |
a white crystalline compound used in photography, spectroscopy, engraving, and medicine. |
| potassium carbonate |
an alkaline crystalline powder used to make products such as glass, ceramics, and soaps. |
| potassium chlorate |
a poisonous white or colorless crystalline solid used as an oxidizing agent in the making of disinfectants, bleaches, matches, fireworks, and explosives. |
| potassium chloride |
a colorless crystalline salt used in fertilizers and in the making of other potassium salts. |
| potassium cyanide |
a highly poisonous white powder used as an insecticide and in photography, electroplating, and metallurgy, esp. in extracting silver and gold from ores. |
| potassium hydroxide |
a caustic white deliquescent solid or crystalline salt used in the making of soaps, liquid detergents, and glass. |
| potassium nitrate |
a colorless crystalline compound used in explosives, preservatives, and fertilizers and as a chemical reagent. |
| potassium permanganate |
a dark purple crystalline solid used as an oxidizing agent, astringent, antiseptic, and disinfectant. |
| potassium sulfate |
a white or colorless crystalline solid, used in the manufacture of fertilizers, medicines, glass, and mineral water. |
| potation |
the act or process of drinking. [2 definitions] |
| potato |
a plant that is native to South America and is widely cultivated for its edible tubers. [3 definitions] |
| potato beetle |
a small black and yellow beetle that is harmful to potatoes and other crops; Colorado beetle. |
| potato chip |
a thin slice of potato that is deep-fried until crisp, usu. salted, and sometimes flavored. |
| pot-au-feu |
pot on the fire (French); a dish of boiled meat and vegetables, the broth being strained and often served separately. |
| potbelly |
a large, round, protruding abdomen. [2 definitions] |
| potboiler |
(informal) a low-quality, sensationalistic novel, film, or the like, produced to make money. |
| pot cheese |
a cheese resembling cottage cheese, with coarse dry curds. |