Tartar etymology

Etymology

Tartar is derived from the Latin word "Tartarus," which refers to the deepest abyss of hell in Greek mythology.

Meaning and Origin

Greek Mythology: In Greek mythology, Tartarus was the primordial pit located below Hades, the underworld. It was believed to be a place of eternal punishment and torment for those who had committed the most heinous crimes, such as murderers, oath-breakers, and those who had defied the gods.

Medieval and Early Modern Europe: During the medieval and early modern periods, "Tartarus" was often used as a synonym for hell in Christian theology. It was believed that the souls of the wicked would be sent to Tartarus to endure eternal suffering.

European Exploration: In the 16th century, European explorers began using the term "Tartar" to refer to the nomadic people of Central and Eastern Asia, particularly those who inhabited the region known as Tartary. The origin of this usage is unclear, but it may be related to the association of the steppes with the barren and desolate landscape of Tartarus.

Modern Usage:

Today, "tartar" has several meanings:

  • Culinary: A sauce made with chopped raw meat, capers, onions, and other ingredients.
  • Dental: A hard, mineralized deposit that forms on teeth.
  • Geological: A sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of calcium carbonate.
  • Archaic: A cruel and merciless person.

Tartar relate terms

  • tartan

    Etymology and Origin The word tartan is derived from the Old French word tiretain w

  • Tyrian

    Etymology The name Tyrian is derived from the Phoenician city of Tyre known as Tzûr

  • Tartar

    Etymology Tartar is derived from the Latin word Tartarus which refers to the deepest a

  • tartaric

    Etymology of Tartaric The word tartaric derives from the Latin word tartarus whic

  • Tartar

    Etymology Tartar is derived from the Latin word Tartarus which refers to the deepest a

  • Tartar

    Etymology Tartar is derived from the Latin word Tartarus which refers to the deepest a

  • calculus

    Etymology The word calculus is derived from the Latin word calculus which means pe

  • dragon

    Etymology The word dragon derives from the Greek word drakōn which means serpent

  • last

    Etymology Middle English laste latest from Old English læst least lowest smalles

  • salt

    Etymology Old English sealt Proto Germanic saltaz Proto Indo European sal salty

  • slat

    Etymology The word slat is derived from the Old English word slæt which means a s

  • crust

    Etymology The word crust comes from the Middle English word cruste which is derived

  • Mongolian

    Etymology Mon Derived from the Old Chinese word Mo nan referring to a nomadic peopl

  • cream

    Etymology The word cream derives from the Old French word cresme which in turn comes

  • hydrogen

    Etymology The word hydrogen is derived from two Greek words hydro meaning water

  • warrant

    Etymology The word warrant originates from the Old French term warant which in turn