tartar

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