tartar

/ˈtɑːtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɑrtɚ] /ˈtɑːrtər/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɑrtɚ] /ˈtär-tər How to pronounce tartar (audio)/ (ame, mw)

tartar — noun

  • tartarsingular
  • tartarsplural

1. a hard deposit that collects on teeth when plaque is left there and turns solid

1.名詞B2
釋義

a hard deposit that collects on teeth when plaque is left there and turns solid

例句

At the dentist, Nia learned that tartar had formed behind her lower teeth.

tartar form behind the teeth

The hygienist scraped tartar from Amihan's molars with a curved metal tool.

remove tartar from teeth

同義詞
  • calculus

    the formal dental term for hardened deposits on teeth

  • plaque

    not the same; plaque is the softer layer that can harden into tartar

  • buildup

    an informal word that focuses on something collecting over time

用法筆記

Usually treated as an uncountable substance in everyday dental advice. Distinguish from sense 3, which names a grape-based deposit used in cooking and baking.

常見錯誤

❌The dentist cleaned three tartars off one tooth.
✅The dentist cleaned tartar off one tooth.
💡in dental use, tartar is usually treated as an uncountable substance.

2. someone who is quick to get angry, sharp in manner, and unpleasant to deal with

2.名詞C1
釋義

someone who is quick to get angry, sharp in manner, and unpleasant to deal with

例句

Everyone avoided the tartar at the front desk after the morning outburst.

a tartar = an angry, difficult person

When Rodrigo questioned the rule, the old tartar snapped at him immediately.

tartar + snap at someone

同義詞
  • grouch

    focuses more on constant complaining than on strictness

  • crank

    can mean an irritable person, but also someone with odd ideas

  • bully

    stronger and more focused on cruel behavior than on temper alone

用法筆記

This noun is strongly negative and sounds somewhat old-fashioned. It is often used for a person in a small position of authority who scolds or complains a lot.

3. a substance from grape juice that settles out in wine and can be used in baking

3.名詞C1
釋義

a substance from grape juice that settles out in wine and can be used in baking or cooking

例句

A pale tartar ring had dried inside the old wine barrel.

tartar settling in a wine barrel

Winemakers once scraped tartar from casks and sold it for kitchen use.

tartar scraped from casks

同義詞

用法筆記

In modern recipes, people more often mention this material in compounds such as cream of tartar. Plain tartar is more common in technical or historical descriptions of winemaking and baking.