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potasio

potassium

noun poh-TAH-syoh Rare
Body & Health Health & Illness

Origin: From New Latin kalium (via Arabic qalī, alkali), but the Spanish word derives from English/French potassium, from potash.

Usage Note

Potasio is the chemical element with symbol K (from Latin kalium). It is an essential mineral nutrient found in bananas, legumes, and leafy greens; a deficiency is called hipopotasemia. In chemistry class the symbol K can confuse learners expecting 'P'.

Examples

"El potasio es esencial para el funcionamiento muscular."

Natural Translation

Potassium is essential for muscle function.

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