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

While brushing and flossing can remove plaque, only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar buildup. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 19 May 2025

Fish Sticks Black cod, shrimp & lobster mousse, panko, house tartar On the starters side of the menu are the most epic fish sticks in town. —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 5 May 2025

Causes Gingivitis and periodontitis are both caused by plaque (a soft, sticky substance that builds up between the teeth) and tartar (hardened plaque) on the teeth. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 12 Apr. 2025

Stir in egg, flour, baking soda, cream or tartar, salt and ground ginger. —Gretchen McKay, Boston Herald, 2 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for tartar

• arter
• barter
• charter
• darter
• garter
• martyr
• smarter
• starter

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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)