What is the Latin word for saltpetre?

The usual Latin words for “saltpetre” are nitrum, nitrōsus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

English → Latin

“saltpetre” in Latin

nitrumvarious alkalis (especially soda ash)nitrōsusfull of various nitrogen-containing chemicals

Riddle & Arnold A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon, 1864

saltpetre

nitrum (general term, Plin.): sal petrae (technical term). Rough salpetre, nitrum crudum (technical term): refined salpetre, nitrum depuratum (technical term): full of salpetre, nitrosus: spirit of salpetre, spiritus nitri.

Quick answer

What is the Latin word for saltpetre?: The usual Latin words for “saltpetre” are nitrum, nitrōsus. The right choice depends on the sense; see the distinctions below.

Entry from J. E. Riddle & T. K. Arnold, A Copious and Critical English–Latin Lexicon (rev. C. Anthon, New York: Harper, 1864), digitised by Fergus J. P. Walsh, CC BY-SA 4.0; Latin markup adapted by latindictionary.co.