potassium nitrate

noun

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Lipari suggests those with sensitive teeth keep their eyes peeled for whitening toothpastes powered by the ingredient potassium nitrate, which helps reduce overall sensitivity. —

Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Jan. 2023 Whitening products that promote safe bleaching and protect your teeth from sensitivity with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or contain potassium nitrate is your best option. —

The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 Nov. 2022 Whitening products that promote safe bleaching and protect your teeth from sensitivity with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or contain potassium nitrate is your best option. —

The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 Nov. 2022 Other potential elements include sulfur or pitch, saltpeter (namely potassium nitrate, a salt that forms on the surfaces of rock), and turpentine, which is an oily extract obtained from coniferous trees. —

Marisa Sloan, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022 Whitening products that promote safe bleaching and protect your teeth from sensitivity with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or contain potassium nitrate is your best option. —

The Salt Lake Tribune, 21 Nov. 2022 This easy-to-use and suitcase-friendly kit features heat technology, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium nitrate to rapidly whiten smiles with zero sensitivity or discomfort. —

Katie Chang, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2022 Whitening products that promote safe bleaching and protect your teeth from sensitivity with a low concentration of hydrogen peroxide or contain potassium nitrate is your best option. —

Iron Monk Solutions, The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'potassium nitrate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of potassium nitrate was in 1866

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near potassium nitrate

potassium manganate

potassium nitrate

potassium oxalate

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Potassium nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20nitrate. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.

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