n.
Name used for various inorganic compounds of potassium , chiefly the carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ), a white crystalline material formerly obtained from wood ashes.
They are used to make special types of glass, potassium silicate (a dehydrating agent), pigments, printing inks, and soft soaps; for washing raw wool; and as a lab reagent and general-purpose food additive. Potassium hydroxide is frequently called caustic potash, and in the fertilizer industry, potassium oxide is called potash.