Rochelle salt

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless or white, water-soluble solid, KNaC 4 H 4 O 6 ⋅4H 2 O, used in silvering mirrors, in the manufacture of Seidlitz powders and baking powder, and in medicine as a laxative.

Rochelle salt

noun

1. a white crystalline double salt, sodium potassium tartrate, used in Seidlitz powder. Formula: KNaC 4 H 4 O 6 .4H 2 O

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rochelle salt¹

First recorded in 1745–55; after La Rochelle

Word History and Origins

Origin of Rochelle salt¹

C18: named after La Rochelle , French port

Example Sentences

It is prepared by heating tartar or "rochelle salt" until no more combustible gas is given off.

From Project Gutenberg