First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1tartar
noun tar·tar \ˈtär-tər\
Definition of TARTAR
1
: a substance consisting essentially of cream of tartar that is derived from the juice of grapes and deposited in wine casks together with yeast and other suspended matters as a pale or dark reddish crust or sediment; especially : a recrystallized product yielding cream of tartar on further purification
2
: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (as calcium carbonate)
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Origin of TARTAR
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin tartarum
2tartar
noun
Definition of TARTAR
1
capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Tartary
2
capitalized : tatar 2
3
often capitalized : a person of irritable or violent temper
4
: one that proves to be unexpectedly formidable
— Tartar adjective
— Tar·tar·i·an \tär-ˈter-ē-ən\ adjective
Origin of TARTAR
Middle English Tartre, from Middle French Tartare, probably from Medieval Latin Tartarus, modification of Persian Tātār — more at tatar
First Known Use: 14th century
TARTAR Defined for Kids
tartar
noun tar·tar \ˈtär-tər\
Definition of TARTAR for Kids
: a crust that forms on the teeth and consists of plaque that has become hardened by the deposit of calcium-containing salts
Medical Dictionary
tartar
noun tar·tar \ˈtärt-ər\
Medical Definition of TARTAR
: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (as calcium carbonate)
Learn More About TARTAR
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