potassium nitrate

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a crystalline compound, KNO 3 , produced by nitrification in soil, and used in gunpowders, fertilizers, and preservatives; saltpeter; niter.

potassium nitrate

noun

1. a colourless or white crystalline compound used in gunpowders, pyrotechnics, fertilizers, and as a preservative for foods, esp as a curing salt for ham, sausages, etc ( E252 ). Formula: KNO 3 Also calledsaltpetrenitre

potassium nitrate

1. A transparent, white, crystalline compound and strong oxidizing agent. It is used in gunpowder and fireworks, in making glass, and in fertilizer. Also called saltpeter. Chemical formula: KNO 3 .
2. See also niter

Word History and Origins

Origin of potassium nitrate¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Add a few crystals of potassium nitrate and when cool dilute with water.

From Project Gutenberg

In the United States powder for blasting contains sodium nitrate instead of potassium nitrate.

From Project Gutenberg

Gelatine Dynamite: a mixture of blasting gelatine with potassium nitrate and wood-meal.

From Project Gutenberg

Pelosine or buxine is precipitated by a concentrated solution of HCl, by sal ammoniac, by potassium nitrate and potassium iodide.

From Project Gutenberg

One might assume that all that was necessary was to make up a solution of potassium nitrate and inject it.

From Project Gutenberg