tartar

1 of 2

noun (1)

tar·​tar ˈtär-tər 

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

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Tartary

2

capitalized : tatar sense 2

3

often capitalized : a person of irritable or violent temper

4

: one that proves to be unexpectedly formidable

Tartar adjective

Tartarian

tär-ˈter-ē-ən 

adjective

Examples of tartar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

During one feast on the ship, we're served scallops with celery root purée, reindeer tartar and elk bone marrow, and ice cream made with Norway's legendary brown cheese. —Rick Jordan, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2023

Further, these chews help reduce plaque build-up and tartar while promoting healthy gums and teeth. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 July 2023

Remember, dental chews not only freshen breath but also help prevent tartar buildup and promote healthier gums. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023

Add the cream of tartar and beat until stiff peaks form. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 19 July 2023

These dental chews are specially designed to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth while freshening the dog's breath. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023

These dental chews are uniquely designed to promote healthy teeth and gums by removing tartar and plaque buildup, without the need for brushing. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 July 2023

Virbac dental chews are designed to help reduce tartar and plaque build-up on your dog’s teeth. —Missy Boylan, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2023

The amount of tartar on your cat’s teeth can also be a signal of age, with less tartar accompanying a younger cat, PetMD notes. —Liam Gravvat, USA TODAY, 24 July 2022

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Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin tartarum

Noun (2)

Middle English Tartre, from Middle French Tartare, probably from Medieval Latin Tartarus, modification of Persian Tātār — more at tatar

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tartar

• cream of tartar
• tartar emetic
• tartar sauce

• cream of tartar
• tartar emetic
• tartar sauce

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Kids Definition

tartar

1 of 2 noun

tar·​tar ˈtärt-ər 

1

: a substance consisting mostly of cream of tartar that is found in the juice of grapes and is deposited in wine casks as a reddish crust or sediment

2

: a hard crust that forms on the teeth and consists of plaque that has become hardened with mineral salts (as of calcium)

tartar

2 of 2 noun

1

capitalized : a member of any of the chiefly Mongolian peoples who invaded parts of Asia and eastern Europe during the Middle Ages

2

: a person who is often angry or violent

Medical Definition

tartar

noun

tar·​tar ˈtärt-ər 

: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (as calcium carbonate)