French translation of saltpetre is 
salpêtre

Meaning of "saltpetre" in English

Saltpetre, also known as potassium nitrate, is a naturally occurring mineral used primarily for its oxidizing properties. It appears as a white crystalline substance and is a key ingredient in the production of gunpowder. Saltpetre is also utilized in food preservation, particularly in curing meats, due to its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Historically, it has played a crucial role in agriculture as a fertilizer, boosting the growth of plants by providing them with essential nitrogen. Its applications extend to the fields of pharmaceuticals and fireworks as well.

Meaning of "salpêtre" in French

In French, "salpêtre" refers to the compound known as potassium nitrate in English. It is recognized for its crystalline white appearance and significant oxidizing properties. Salpêtre is central in the creation of gunpowder, serving as a stable source of oxygen to expedite combustion. Its use extends to the food industry, where it acts as a curing agent to preserve meats. The compound also finds applications in agriculture for enriching soil with nitrogen and is used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals and explosives due to its reactive characteristics.

Pronunciation of "saltpetre" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈsɔːltˌpiːtər/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "saltpetre" might vary slightly between British and American English. In British English, it is usually pronounced with a clearer 't', while in American English, the 't' might sound more like a 'd', especially in casual speech.

Pronunciation of "salpêtre" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /sal.pɛtʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation of "salpêtre" generally remains consistent across regions, with subtle variations in the pronunciation of the 'r' based on regional accents. The 'r' may be rolled or pronounced with more of a guttural sound, depending on the speaker's origin.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The miners discovered a vein of saltpetre in the cave. (Les mineurs ont découvert une veine de salpêtre dans la grotte.)
2. Saltpetre is essential for the production of gunpowder. (Le salpêtre est essentiel pour la production de poudre à canon.)
3. Ancient manuscripts detail the use of saltpetre in alchemy. (Les manuscrits anciens détaillent l'utilisation du salpêtre en alchimie.)
4. The preservation of meats often involves the use of saltpetre. (La conservation des viandes implique souvent l'utilisation de salpêtre.)
5. Farmers applied saltpetre to enrich their soil centuries ago. (Les agriculteurs utilisaient du salpêtre pour enrichir leur sol il y a des siècles.)
6. Powdered saltpetre can be highly reactive with other chemicals. (Le salpêtre en poudre peut être très réactif avec d'autres produits chimiques.)
7. Saltpetre was historically important in the field of pyrotechnics. (Le salpêtre était historiquement important dans le domaine de la pyrotechnie.)
8. The demand for saltpetre increased during wartime for ammunition. (La demande de salpêtre a augmenté en temps de guerre pour les munitions.)
9. Chemists studied the properties of saltpetre in the 18th century. (Les chimistes ont étudié les propriétés du salpêtre au XVIIIe siècle.)
10. She preserved the ham using a mix of salt and saltpetre. (Elle a conservé le jambon en utilisant un mélange de sel et de salpêtre.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "saltpetre" in English

Synonyms: potassium nitrate, niter, nitrate of potash. Antonyms: - Similar Words: fertilizer, oxidizer, preservative, compound, crystallization, chemical.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "salpêtre" in French

Synonyms: nitrate de potassium, nitre. Antonyms: - Similar Words: engrais, oxydant, conservateur, composé, cristallisation, chimique.

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