saleratus

American  

[sal-uh-rey-tuhs] / ˌsæl əˈreɪ təs /

noun

1. Archaic. sodium bicarbonate used in cooking or baking; baking soda.

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saleratus British  

/ ˌsæləˈreɪtəs /

noun

1. another name for sodium bicarbonate, esp when used in baking powders

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Etymology

Origin of saleratus

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; variant of Latin sal aerātus. sal, aerate

Example Sentences

Some housekeepers soak ripe peas over night, in water in which they have dissolved a little saleratus.

From Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages Including a System of Vegetable Cookery by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)

You can tell why—his face with all those yellow freckles looks like an old fashioned saleratus biscuit.

From The Corner House Girls on a Tour Where they went, what they saw, and what they found by Hill, Grace Brooks

Same as Walnut or Hickory-nut; but use no molasses, and when done, set off and stir in one teaspoon saleratus; mark into sticks.

From Frye's Practical Candy Maker Comprising Practical Receipts for the Manufacture of Fine "Hand-Made" Candies by Frye, George V.

I might also mention several other additions, which, like saleratus, it is becoming fashionable to make.

From Vegetable Diet: As Sanctioned by Medical Men, and by Experience in All Ages Including a System of Vegetable Cookery by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)

Biscuits were made of flour, using a little corn meal for shortening and saleratus for raising.

From Collection of Nebraska Pioneer Reminiscences by Daughters of the American Revolution. Nebraska