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

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)