To save this word, you'll need to log in.
tar·tar | \ ˈtär-tər 
\
\Definition of tartar
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (such as calcium carbonate)
2 : 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
tartar
noun (2)Definition of tartar (Entry 2 of 2)
1 capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Tartary
3 often capitalized : a person of irritable or violent temper
4 : one that proves to be unexpectedly formidable
Other Words from tartar
Noun (2)
Tartar adjective
Tartarian \ tär-ˈter-ē-ən \ adjective
\ adjectiveKeep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for tartar
tartar
nountar·tar | \ ˈtär-tər \
\Kids Definition of tartar
: a crust that forms on the teeth and consists of plaque that has become hardened by the deposit of calcium-containing salts
tartar
nountar·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)
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on tartar
What made you want to look up tartar? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
A More Exception(al) Quiz
- Which of the following words is not a synonym for ‘a young person’?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Share tartar
Time Traveler for tartar
The first known use of tartar was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century