Definition

A white crystalline substance that is a source of potassium nitrate, often used in fertilizers, food preservation, and explosives.

Example

Farmers often use saltpeter to enrich the soil for better crop yields.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of saltpeter?

Yeah, I think it's used in fertilizers, right?

Exactly! It's also used in some food preservation methods.

That's interesting! I never knew it had so many applications.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Saltpeter is derived from "salt" (from Old English "sealt", meaning a mineral substance) and "peter" (from Latin "petra", meaning rock). The term originally referred to a mineral found in rocky deposits that contains potassium nitrate, commonly used in fertilizers and explosives.

Memory Tip

Think of 'salt' as a mineral and 'peter' as 'rock' — together, they describe a mineral substance found in rocky areas.

Visually Confused Words