potassium nitrate

noun Chemistry.

a crystalline compound, KNO3, produced by nitrification in soil, and used in gunpowders, fertilizers, and preservatives; saltpeter; niter.

Origin of potassium nitrate

First recorded in 1880–85

Words nearby potassium nitrate

potassium hydrogen tartrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium iodide, potassium monophosphate, potassium myronate, potassium nitrate, potassium oxalate, potassium permanganate, potassium phosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium sulphate

British Dictionary definitions for potassium nitrate

potassium nitrate

noun

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 called: saltpetre, nitre

Scientific definitions for potassium nitrate

potassium nitrate

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: KNO3. See also niter.