tartar Hear it!

tartar Definition

tar·tar (tärtər)

noun

  1. cream of tartar, esp. the crude form present in grape juice and forming a reddish or whitish, crustlike deposit (argol) in wine casks
  2. a hard deposit on the teeth, consisting of saliva proteins, food deposits, various salts, as calcium phosphate, etc.; dental calculus

Etymology: ME < ML tartarum < MGr tartaron < ?

Tartar Definition

Tar·tar (tärtər)

noun

  1. Tatar
  2. an irritable, violent, intractable person

Etymology: ME Tartre < ML Tartarus, a Tatar, altered (after Tartarus) < Pers Tātār

adjective

Tatar

Tartar Idioms

catch a tartar

to attack or oppose someone too strong for one; get more than one bargained for

tartar Synonyms

tartar

n.

hun, hothead, beast; see barbarian 1, savage 1.

tartar Usage Examples

Preposition: with

  • caviar: The meal menus include salmon tartar with caviar, seared beef with a selection of Nobu sauces, and selections of exotic fruits.

Converse of object

  • remove: Brush a few times a week and have any tartar removed by your vet about twice a year or as needed.
  • reduce: There are many " treats " that are on the market that reduce tartar by chewing.
  • have: I haven't had steak tartar in a long time.
  • prevent: Tooth brushing will help prevent tartar from building up on the teeth.
  • call: Calculus, sometimes called tartar, is hardened calcified plaque.
  • form: As plaque ages, it hardens and calcifies to form tartar ( called dental calculus ).

Preposition: on

  • tooth: Dried diets can also help prevent the build up of tartar on teeth.

Modifies a noun

  • build-up: Dental disease is very common among cats with tartar build-up being the most prevalent disorder.
  • sauce: Serve the crab cakes hot with the tartar sauce.
  • control: These include tartar control for people who are prone to tartar build-up, and ones for people with sensitive teeth.
  • formation: Sodium polyphosphate, present on the kibble surface, binds salivary calcium and thus limits tartar formation.
  • accumulation: Dental disease usually shows itself as gum disease ( gingivitis ) secondary to plaque and tartar accumulation on the teeth.
  • removal: The polishing is to smooth the tooth after tartar removal, as the tartar pits the tooth.

Noun used with modifier

  • steak: I haven't had steak tartar in a long time.
  • salmon: Recommend salmon tartar or blinis with trimmings for a starter.

Browse dictionary entries near tartar

  1. tartan
  2. tart
  3. tarsus
  4. tarsometatarsus
  5. tarso-
  6. tarsier
  7. tarsi
  8. Tarshish
  9. tarsal
  10. tars-
  1. tartar emetic
  2. tartar sauce
  3. tartar steak
  4. tartare
  5. Tartarean
  6. Tartarian
  7. tartaric
  8. tartaric acid
  9. tartarous
  10. Tartarus