potash Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a potassium compound often used in agriculture and industry
caustic potash; potassium hydroxide.

Pot + ash.

(Chem.) (a) The hydroxide of potassium hydrate, a hard white brittle substance, KOH, having strong caustic and alkaline properties; -- hence called also caustic potash. (b) The impure potassium carbonate obtained by leaching wood ashes, either as a strong solution (lye), or as a white crystalline (pearlash).