Definitions

1. noun

a colourless crystalline compound used in making gunpowder, fireworks, and other explosives, and in preserving food

“The alchemist discovered a hidden cache of saltpeter in the abandoned mine.”

2. noun

a type of nitrate of potash used in fertilizers

“The farmer applied saltpeter to his crops to boost their growth.”

3. noun

an old-fashioned term for nitrate of potash

“The old recipe called for saltpeter to preserve the meat for the winter.”

4. verb

to preserve or cure with saltpeter

“The butchers saltpetered the meat to make it last longer.”