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

The South was so desperate for saltpeter for gunpowder that one Alabama official reportedly placed a newspaper ad asking that the contents of chamber pots be saved for collection.

From Washington Post • Jul. 9, 2020

This launch wasn’t advertised, because we had no idea how our new propellant of saltpeter and sugar would work.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam