Tartar - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Tartar refers to a hard, yellowish deposit on teeth formed by plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease if not removed. It also denotes a sauce or creamy condiment in cooking.
Definition:
A hard deposit on teeth, or a fierce or violent person.
Synonyms:
plaque, calculus, crust, sediment
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
peacemaker, gentle person
Common Collocations:
dental tartar, tartar buildup, tartar removal
Derivatives:
tartaric, tartarous
Usage Tips:
Use "tartar" for dental deposits or metaphorically for a harsh person; context clarifies meaning.
Common Phrases:
tartar sauce, cream of tartar, Tartar steak
Etymology:
From Old French "tartre," derived from Medieval Latin "tartarum," referring to a crusty deposit.
Examples:
- 1. The dentist removed the tartar from my teeth.
- 2. She’s known as a real tartar when enforcing rules.
- 3. Tartar sauce pairs well with fried fish.
- 4. Cream of tartar is used in baking powder.