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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Saltpeter


SALTPE'TER, 'TRE, noun [salt and Gr. stone.] A neutral salt formed by the nitric acid in combination with potash, and hence denominated nitrate of potash. It is found native in the East Indies, in Spain, in Naples and other places. It is also found on walls sheltered from rain, and it is extracted by lixiviation from the earths under cellars, stables and barns, etc.