tartar

[ tahr-ter ]

/ ˈtɑr tər /

Save This Word!

noun

Dentistry. calculus (def. 3).

the deposit from wines, potassium bitartrate.

the intermediate product of cream of tartar, obtained from the crude form, argol.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of tartar

1350–1400; Middle English <Medieval Latin tartarum<Late Greek tártaron; replacing Middle English tartre<Middle French <Medieval Latin, as above

Words nearby tartar

tarsometatarsus, tarsus, tart, tartan, tartanry, tartar, tartarated, tartare, Tartarean, tartar emetic, tartare sauce

Other definitions for tartar (2 of 3)

Tartar¹

[ tahr-ter ]

/ ˈtɑr tər /

noun

a member of any of the various tribes, chiefly Mongolian and Turkish, who, originally under the leadership of Genghis Khan, overran Asia and much of eastern Europe in the Middle Ages.

a member of the descendants of this people variously intermingled with other peoples and tribes, now inhabiting parts of the European and western and central Asian Russian Federation.

Tatar (defs. 1-3).

(often lowercase) a savage, intractable person.

(often lowercase) an ill-tempered person.

adjective

of or relating to a Tartar or Tartars; Tartarian.

Tatar (def. 5).

Also Tatar (for defs. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8).

Origin of Tartar

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin Tartarus, perhaps variant of Tātārus (unattested), from Persian Tātār, by association with Tartarus; replacing Middle English Tartre, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM Tartar

Tar·tar·ly, adverb

Other definitions for tartar (3 of 3)

Tartar²

[ tahr-ter ]

/ ˈtɑr tər /

noun Obsolete.

Tartarus.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tartar in a sentence

If you have an otherwise healthy pup and are simply looking for one of the best dental chews for dogs that will scrape away plaque and tartar and prevent bad breath, Pedigree’s Dentastix are a great choice.
Best dental chews for dogs to brush up on oral health|Andrew Waite|September 23, 2021|Popular-Science
As dogs chew on these specially designed treats, they actively scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, just like you do when you brush your teeth.
Best dental chews for dogs to brush up on oral health|Andrew Waite|September 23, 2021|Popular-Science
Chewing helps get rid of plaque and tartar, while keeping your dog occupied.
Best dental chews for dogs to brush up on oral health|Andrew Waite|September 23, 2021|Popular-Science
The VOHC-accepted chews also include delmopinol, which creates a barrier to stop bacteria that causes bad breath, tartar, and plaque buildup.
Best dental chews for dogs to brush up on oral health|Andrew Waite|September 23, 2021|Popular-Science

Chews are designed with textures and shapes that are meant to help scrape plaque and tartar as your dog chews, but different manufacturers accomplish this through different techniques.
Best dental chews for dogs to brush up on oral health|Andrew Waite|September 23, 2021|Popular-Science
In the longer term, she sees big strides in preventing tartar build-up and halting receding gums.
Oil Pulling: Miracle Cure or Oily Mess?|DailyBurn|March 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To assemble taco place escabeche, fish and tartar sauce in a tortilla and garnish with cilantro and lime.
Cinco de Mayo Recipes: Tacos for One and All||May 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
For tartar sauce combine diced onions and jalapenos with mayo and mix well.
Cinco de Mayo Recipes: Tacos for One and All||May 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Try adding a pinch of cream of tartar to the whites for a similar effect.
Cracking the Code on All Things Egg|Jessica Konopa|September 15, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Dissolve the sugar, water and cream of tartar in a saucepan over a low heat.
Pumpkin Seed Brittle|The Daily Beast|November 25, 2008|DAILY BEAST
If thus used two or three days in succession it will effectually loosen tartar, even of long standing.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
A simple mixture of charcoal and cream of tartar is an excellent tooth-powder.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
A carriage forcibly stopped in the Rue Royale, and in broad daylight—only this Tartar would have dared such a stroke as that!
The Nabob|Alphonse Daudet
Twelve hundred of them did better service against the Tartar than twelve thousand Russians with their short bows and arrows.
The Story of Moscow|Wirt Gerrare
Osman, the ruling bashaw, although a Turk, was a regular Tartar to deal with.
Jack Harkaway's Boy Tinker Among The Turks|Bracebridge Hemyng

British Dictionary definitions for tartar (1 of 3)

tartar¹

/ (ˈtɑːtə) /

noun

dentistry a hard crusty deposit on the teeth, consisting of food, cellular debris, and mineral salts

Also called: argol a brownish-red substance consisting mainly of potassium hydrogen tartrate, present in grape juice and deposited during the fermentation of wine

Word Origin for tartar

C14: from Medieval Latin tartarum, from Medieval Greek tartaron

British Dictionary definitions for tartar (2 of 3)

tartar²

/ (ˈtɑːtə) /

noun

(sometimes capital) a fearsome or formidable person

Word Origin for tartar

C16: special use of Tartar

British Dictionary definitions for tartar (3 of 3)

Tartar

/ (ˈtɑːtə) /

noun, adjective

a variant spelling of Tatar

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for tartar

tartar

[ tär′tər ]

A hard yellowish deposit on the teeth, consisting of organic secretions and food particles deposited in various salts, such as calcium carbonate.

A reddish acid compound consisting of a tartrate of potassium, found in the juice of grapes and deposited on the sides of wine casks.