Chile saltpeter

noun

ˈchi-lē- How to pronounce Chile saltpeter (audio)
ˈchē-(ˌ)lā-
: sodium nitrate especially occurring naturally (as in caliche)

Word History

Etymology

Chile, South America

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chile saltpeter was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near Chile saltpeter

Cite this Entry

“Chile saltpeter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chile%20saltpeter. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

Chile saltpeter

noun
: sodium nitrate especially occurring naturally (as in caliche)

called also Chile niter

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