Pŏt'ăsh, n.

n. [From Eng. pot and ash, pl. ashes; D. potasch, Ger. pottasche, Dan. potaske, Sw. pottaska, Fr. potasse, It. & L. Lat. potassa, Sp. potasa.] (Chem.) A powerful alkali, the protoxide of potassium; potassa.

☞ The name is very often applied, in popular language, to the substance in an impure state, as obtained from wood ashes by leaching.