salt cake

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. an impure form of sodium sulfate, especially as obtained by the interaction of sulfuric acid and common salt in the synthesis of hydrochloric acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of glass, ceramic glazes, soaps, and sodium salts.

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salt cake British  

noun

1. an impure form of sodium sulphate obtained as a by-product in several industrial processes: used in the manufacture of detergents, glass, and ceramic glazes

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Etymology

Origin of salt cake

First recorded in 1695–1705

Example Sentences

In South Uist and Eriskay, two of the outer Hebrides, a salt cake called Bonnach Salainn is eaten at Hallowe'en to induce dreams that will reveal the future.

From Balder the Beautiful, Volume I. A Study in Magic and Religion: the Golden Bough, Part VII., The Fire-Festivals of Europe and the Doctrine of the External Soul by Frazer, James George, Sir

For 100 tons of salt cake charged, there are also charged about 110 tons of lime mud and limestone and 55 tons of mixing slack.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 620, November 19,1887 by Various

As regards fuel used for firing, this may be put down as 200 tons per week, or about 10 cwt. per ton of salt cake decomposed.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 620, November 19,1887 by Various

To collect and use the sulphuric acid of the salt cake consumed in the glass manufacture.

From The Scientific Basis of National Progress Including that of Morality by Gore, George

Each charge contains four tons of salt cake, and some of these revolvers get through 18 tons of salt cake per day and consume 13 cwt. of coal per ton of cake decomposed.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 620, November 19,1887 by Various