saltpeter

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tultepec was one of the first places that began to produce gunpowder in Mexico during the colonial period, because of the town’s abundant supply of saltpeter, a key ingredient.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2024

He was perhaps the world’s leading expert on the history of mining for saltpeter, a primary ingredient in gunpowder, which in the 19th century was often harvested from caves.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2022

The addition of steel or cast-iron shavings to the saltpeter made them sparkle.

From Salon • Jul. 13, 2021

Many of the records come from the Confederate nitre and mining bureau, which was set up to produce saltpeter, among other things.

From Washington Post • Jul. 9, 2020

Blowing grit and hot light and the stink of saltpeter.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor