Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun See
saltpeter .
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun
Potassium nitrate . - noun
Sodium nitrate .
from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
- noun (KNO3) used especially as a fertilizer and explosive
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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Examples
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Now, since saltpetre is among the most important of these substances, particularly in those countries which possess neither large mineral coal deposits nor cheap hydro-electric power, the artificial production of ammonia and nitric acid has reached an unprecedented degree of importance.
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Under normal circumstances the vast majority of this saltpetre is used for fertilizer purposes.
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Mention of this substance is made in (Proverbs 25: 20) -- "and as vinegar upon nitre" -- and in (Jeremiah 2: 26) The article denoted is not that which we now understand by the term nitre i.e. nitrate of Potassa -- "saltpetre" -- but the nitrum of the Latins and the natron or native carbonate of soda of modern chemistry.
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And I wonder much at a rabble of foolish philosophers and physicians, who spend their time in disputing whence the heat of the said waters cometh, whether it be by reason of borax, or sulphur, or alum, or saltpetre, that is within the mine.
Five books of the lives, heroic deeds and sayings of Gargantua and his son Pantagruel 2002
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And I wonder much at a rabble of foolish philosophers and physicians, who spend their time in disputing whence the heat of the said waters cometh, whether it be by reason of borax, or sulphur, or alum, or saltpetre, that is within the mine.
Five books of the lives, heroic deeds and sayings of Gargantua and his son Pantagruel 2002
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Iodates are found associated with Chili saltpetre, which is an important source of the element.
A Text-book of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. Cornelius Beringer 1886
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They can produce ices at any season, by saltpetre, which is here abundant and procured at a small price; but strange as it may appear, considering the climate, we have regular collections of ice made in January, in most of the stations in the Upper Provinces, generally under the superintendence of an English gentleman, who condescends to be the comptroller.
Observations on the Mussulmauns of India Descriptive of Their Manners, Customs, Habits and Religious Opinions Made During a Twelve Years' Residence in Their Immediate Society Mrs. Meer Hasan Ali 1885
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Other important products of the earth are saltpetre, which is found in the Elburz, and in Azerbijan; sulphur, which abounds in the same regions, and likewise on the high plateau; alum, which is quarried near
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The two manufactures produce about three Kantars, or fifteen or sixteen quintals per month of saltpetre, which is sold at about fifteen shillings per quintal.
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The whole of the Loehf, or limits of the Ledja, is productive of saltpetre, which is sold at Damascus and Acre; I saw it sold near the lake of Tiberias for double the price which it costs in the Loehf.
chained_bear commented on the word saltpetre
Also spelled saltpeter. Usage on gunpowder.
October 14, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word saltpetre
Usage/historical note in comment on salt nitre.
January 16, 2017