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potassium nitrate

noun

Definition of potassium nitrate

  1. :  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

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First Known Use of potassium nitrate

1866

Medical Dictionary

potassium nitrate

noun

Medical Definition of potassium nitrate

  1. :  a crystalline salt KNO3 that is a strong oxidizing agent and is used in medicine chiefly as a diuretic—called also niter, saltpeter

Learn More about potassium nitrate

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potassium nitrate

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