tartar
7 synonyms for tartar, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A hard yellowish deposit that builds up on teeth from unremoved plaque.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tartar
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tartar buildup
cream of tartar
Etymology
From Medieval Latin tartarum, itself from a Byzantine Greek word, possibly ultimately connected to an Arabic or Persian word for sediment or dregs.
Full origin of tartar →Frequently asked questions
What does “tartar” mean?
The word “tartar” means a hard yellowish deposit that builds up on teeth from unremoved plaque. In plain terms, the hard deposit that forms on teeth, or, informally, a fierce and demanding person.
How do you pronounce “tartar”?
“Tartar” is pronounced TAH-tuh (/ˈtɑɹ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tartar” in a sentence?
Here is “tartar” used in a sentence: “Regular brushing helps prevent tartar buildup.”
What part of speech is “tartar”?
“Tartar” is a noun.
Where does the word “tartar” come from?
The word “tartar” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin tartarum, itself from a Byzantine Greek word, possibly ultimately connected to an Arabic or Persian word for sediment or dregs.
How many meanings does “tartar” have?
“Tartar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a hard yellowish deposit that builds up on teeth from unremoved plaque.
