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

Examples of potassium nitrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These included sulfites, potassium sorbate, potassium nitrate, acetates, acetic acid, and sodium erythorbate. Jamie Ducharme, Health, 9 Jan. 2026 Though some of these preservatives were not associated with cancer incidence, others were, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate and acetic acid. Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 Throughout early December, the defendants procured bomb-making materials to build and test explosive devices in the Mojave Desert, including by obtaining materials such as potassium nitrate, sulfur, charcoal and pipes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. City News Service, Daily News, 5 Jan. 2026 The complaint said three of the four individuals brought potassium nitrate, PVC pipes, charcoal, sulfur powder, and other bomb-making components to a campsite in the Mojave Desert for testing. Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for potassium nitrate

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potassium nitrate was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potassium nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potassium%20nitrate. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

potassium nitrate

noun
: a salt used in making gunpowder, as a fertilizer, and in medicine

Medical Definition

potassium nitrate

noun
: a crystalline salt KNO3 that is a strong oxidizing agent and is used in medicine chiefly as a diuretic

called also niter, saltpeter

More from Merriam-Webster on potassium nitrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!