nitre etymology

Etymology:

• Old French: nitre
• Latin: nitrum
• Greek: νίτρον (nitron)

Meaning:

• A natural salt composed of potassium or sodium nitrate, which forms a white or yellowish powder.

Origin:

The origin of the term "nitre" is uncertain, but there are two main theories:

1. Egyptian Source:

• Nitre was known in ancient Egypt as "ntr" or "neter," which referred to a divine substance used for making saltpeter and glass.
• This term may have been adapted into Greek as "nitron."

2. Semitic Origin:

• Another theory suggests that the term may have originated from the Arabic word "natrun," which refers to a mineral found in salt deposits.
• This word may have been borrowed into Greek and Latin, eventually giving rise to the term "nitre."

Over time, the term "nitre" has been used to describe various types of saltpeter, including potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate. These salts have been used in a wide range of applications, including as fertilizers, explosives, and medicine.

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