a clear, odorless, crystalline salt, NaNO, used in manufacturing nitric acid, sodium nitrite, explosives, fertilizers, etc., and as an oxidizing agent
See sodium nitrate in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A white crystalline compound, NaNO3, used in solid rocket propellants, in the manufacture of explosives and glass and pottery enamel, and as fertilizer. Also called caliche, Chile saltpeter, saltpeter, soda niter.