tartar
1 of 2noun (1)
tar·tar ˈtär-tər 
1
: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (such as calcium carbonate)
2
: a substance consisting essentially of cream of tartar that is derived from the juice of grapes and deposited in wine casks together with yeast and other suspended matters as a pale or dark reddish crust or sediment
especially : a recrystallized product yielding cream of tartar on further purification
tartar
2 of 2noun (2)
1
capitalized : a native or inhabitant of Tartary
2
capitalized : tatar sense 2
3
often capitalized : a person of irritable or violent temper
4
: one that proves to be unexpectedly formidable
Tartar adjective
Tartarian
tär-ˈter-ē-ən
adjective 
Word History
Etymology
Noun (1)
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin tartarum
Noun (2)
Middle English Tartre, from Middle French Tartare, probably from Medieval Latin Tartarus, modification of Persian Tātār — more at tatar
First Known Use
Noun (1)
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Noun (2)
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing tartar
Kids Definition
tartar
noun
tar·tar ˈtär-tər
: a crust that forms on the teeth and consists of plaque that has become hardened by the deposit of calcium-containing salts
Medical Definition
tartar
noun
tar·tar ˈtärt-ər
: an incrustation on the teeth consisting of plaque that has become hardened by the deposition of mineral salts (as calcium carbonate)