potash

Noun

An alkaline compound, typically potassium carbonate, used in fertilizers.
a potassium compound often used in agriculture and industry
The water-soluble part of the ash formed by burning plant material; used for making soap and glass and as a fertilizer.
An impure form of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) mixed with other potassium salts.
Potassium. Chiefly used in the names of compounds of the form "... of potash".
A class of potassium minerals, of similar applicability to potassium carbonate, such as being a fertilizer. (ie. potassium chloride, potassium hydroxide)

Verb

To treat with potassium.

Examples

permanganate of potash
The farmer added POTASH to the soil to improve crop yield and nutrient balance.

Origin / Etymology

From pot + ash, because the substance was originally obtained by leaching the soluble matter out of ash and then boiling the solution in a pot. Compare Dutch potas, German Pottasche.

Synonyms

caustic potash, potassium hydroxide

Scrabble Score: 11

potash: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
potash: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
potash: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

potash: valid Words With Friends Word