nitre

/ˈnaɪtər/

Definitions

1. noun

a mixture of potassium nitrate with other salts, especially sodium chloride, used as a colouring agent in fireworks and pyrotechnics.

“The pyrotechnician used nitre to create a vibrant red colour in the fireworks display.”

2. noun

an obsolete term for potassium nitrate.

“In the past, nitre was widely used as a fertiliser.”

Synonyms

  • potassium nitrate
  • saltpetre

Antonyms

  • phosphorus
  • silica