niter

[ nahy-ter ]

noun

1. potassium nitrate.
2. sodium nitrate.

niter

/ ˈnaɪtə /

noun

1. See nitre
   the usual US spelling of nitre

niter

/ nī′tər /

1. A naturally occurring mineral form of potassium nitrate. It is used to make gunpowder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of niter¹

1375–1425; late Middle English nitre < Latin nitrum < Greek nítron natron

Example Sentences

The composition given is: sulphur, niter, cinnamon and boric acid in gaseous solution.

From Project Gutenberg

I find that this dust is strongly impregnated with niter; from niter we obtain saltpeter and from saltpeter we make gunpowder.

From Project Gutenberg

Epsom salts, niter and alum have been obtained from the earth of the cave.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a white, crystallizable salt of a taste resembling that of niter, soluble in water and alcohol, and extremely poisonous.

From Project Gutenberg

Where the place That niter-eaten bricks false soundness wear?

From Project Gutenberg