Chile saltpeter

noun

1. Mineralogy. soda niter.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Chile saltpeter¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

No other important commercial source in foreign countries is known, though small quantities have been obtained from the mother liquors of Chile saltpeter and from the seaweed, kelp, in various countries.

From Project Gutenberg

Almost the single source of mineral nitrates for the world at present is Chile, where there are deposits of sodium nitrate or Chile saltpeter, containing minor amounts of potassium nitrate.

From Project Gutenberg

The most important mineral, the sodium nitrate or Chile saltpeter, is mingled with various other soluble salts, including common salt, borax minerals, and potassium nitrate, and with loose clay, sand, and gravel.

From Project Gutenberg

Fixed nitrogen in its cheapest form, Chile saltpeter, rose to $250 during the war.

From Project Gutenberg

"The same amount, combined in Chile saltpeter, comes to—?"

From Project Gutenberg