cream of tartar

American  

noun

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 4 H 5 KO 6 , used chiefly as an ingredient in baking powders and in galvanic tinning of metals.

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cream of tartar British  

noun

1. another name for potassium hydrogen tartrate, esp when used in baking powders

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Etymology

Origin of cream of tartar

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Add flour and mix well together, adding remainder of milk as required – also bicarbonate and cream of tartar.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2025

Use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed for 30 to 45 seconds until combined.

From Washington Times • May 16, 2023

Per McGee, before beating, you can add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar or 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice per egg white to ensure stability.

From Washington Post • Oct. 17, 2022

Incorporating 1 teaspoon cream of tartar or 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of egg whites helps prevent overbeating, which causes them to denature and become lumpy.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2022

She ask about hard water stains and I tell her cream of tartar.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett