-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
potassium nitrate
noun
: a crystalline salt KNO3 that occurs as a product of nitrification in arable soils, is a strong oxidizer, and is used especially in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine
Examples of potassium nitrate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As someone with sensitive teeth herself, Lacey looks for toothpastes that contain potassium nitrate to alleviate sensitivity.
—Lacey Muinos, Health, 11 Dec. 2023
The brand offers this natural formula, which contains potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity.
—Lacey Muinos, Health, 11 Dec. 2023
The kit uses three whitening ingredients, amorphous calcium phosphate, fluoride and potassium nitrate, to help whiten teeth and comes in a range of concentrations.
—Korin Miller, wsj.com, 20 Sep. 2023
Read full article Among the materials found inside a vehicle on the property were 74 pounds of potassium nitrate, 15 pounds of aluminum powder, six pounds of magnesium and about 12 pounds of homemade aerial shells.
—BostonGlobe.com, 15 Aug. 2023
See all Example Sentences for potassium nitrate
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1866, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium nitrate was
in 1866
Dictionary Entries Near potassium nitrate
Cite this Entry
“Potassium nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20nitrate. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
potassium nitrate
noun
: a salt used in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine
Medical Definition
potassium nitrate
noun
: a crystalline salt KNO3 that is a strong oxidizing agent and is used in medicine chiefly as a diuretic
called also niter, saltpeter
More from Merriam-Webster on potassium nitrate
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium nitrate
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share