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Definition of saltpeter

saltpeter

/ˈsɔːltˌpiːtər/
(UK: saltpetre)
salt · pe · ter
Plural:saltpeters
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saltpeter Lexical Profile

saltpeter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American A naturally occurring white crystalline mineral composed of potassium nitrate (or sometimes sodium nitrate), historically used in food preservation, fertilizers, fireworks, and chemical manufacturing.

Example

"The chemistry students examined the properties of saltpeter during their lesson on nitrate compounds."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for saltpeter

• Nearby Words

saltmarsh
salto chico
salto grande
saltpeter
saltshaker
saltsprinkler
saltwater

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'salpetre', from Medieval Latin 'sal petrae', literally meaning 'salt of rock', referring to its natural formation as a mineral crust on stones and cave walls.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Saltpeter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/saltpeter
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