antitartaric
|an-ti-tar-tar-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈtɑr.ɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈtɑː.rɪk/
against tartar / prevents deposits
Etymology
'antitartaric' is formed from the prefix 'anti-' (from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against') + 'tartaric' (from 'tartar', i.e. deposits such as cream of tartar); literally meaning 'against tartar'.
'tartaric' comes from 'tartar' (Late Latin 'tartarum' from Greek 'tartaron'), which referred to crystalline deposits found in wine or on vessels; the modern compound 'antitartaric' developed by combining the productive prefix 'anti-' with 'tartaric' in technical/chemical usage.
Originally the root referred specifically to wine or chemical deposits ('cream of tartar'); over time the compound came to be used more broadly for agents that prevent or reduce mineral/crystalline deposits including dental calculus, so its current meaning is 'opposed to or preventing tartar deposits'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a substance or agent used to prevent or reduce the formation of tartar (e.g., in dental products or in food/wine processing).
Manufacturers added an antitartaric to the formulation to improve stability and reduce deposits.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
preventing, reducing, or removing tartar (dental calculus) on teeth; having properties that inhibit the formation of hardened deposits.
The toothpaste contains an antitartaric ingredient to help reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
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Last updated: 2025/09/11 04:34