niter

especially British, ni·tre

[nahy-ter]

noun

1. potassium nitrate.

2. sodium nitrate.

niter

/ ˈnaɪtə /

noun

1. the usual US spelling of nitre

niter

1. A naturally occurring mineral form of potassium nitrate. It is used to make gunpowder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of niter¹

1375–1425; late Middle English nitre < Latin nitrum < Greek nítron natron

Example Sentences

He also illustrates how a few spices can alter similar preparations in different parts of the world, comparing niter kibbeh, an Ethiopian spiced clarified butter, with Indian ghee, for example.

From Washington Post

Forgetting danger, cleanliness and reason, I ventured into the yawning Stygian recesses of the inner earth, down inclined passageways whose walls were coated with the detestable slimy niter of the earth’s bowels.

From Time

Two formulas are given; the first consists of 2½ pounds of common salt and 4 ounces of niter dissolved in a gallon of water and filtered.

From Project Gutenberg

It has been employed as a styptic by surgeons, but its common use is as tinder, for which purpose it is prepared by soaking it in a strong solution of niter.

From Project Gutenberg

Bengal light, a firework containing niter, sulphur, and antimony, and producing a sustained and vivid colored light, used in making signals and in pyrotechnics; Ð called also blue light.

From Project Gutenberg