What does tartaric mean?
Tartaric is chiefly a chemical adjective meaning relating to tartaric acid, the organic acid especially associated with grapes, wine, and certain fruits. In labels and technical writing, “tartaric acid” names a naturally occurring acid found in plants and widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. The adjective can also characterize salts and compounds derived from that acid, including tartrates. Wine is its most familiar everyday context: winemakers and analysts often discuss a wine’s tartaric acid content, and the acid may occur in a free or salt-bound form. As a specialist term, “tartaric” has a formal, technical tone, although the compound “tartaric acid” is readily understood by consumers interested in wine and cooking. The word is also related to “tartar,” as in cream of tartar, a substance traditionally obtained from wine production. Knowing “tartaric” thus helps distinguish the acid itself, its measurement in wine, and the related tartrate salts used in cooking and industry.
adjectiveRelating to or derived from tartaric acid, especially in chemistry, food science, or wine production.
- Relating to, derived from, or characteristic of tartaric acid.
- Relating to or consisting of a tartrate, especially a salt formed from tartaric acid.
"The laboratory measured the wine's tartaric acid content before bottling."
"The technician measured the wine's tartaric acid content before bottling."
"A tartaric acid solution was used in the laboratory experiment."
The acid that lends wine its lively tartness also gives “cream of tartar” its name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tartaric come from?
English formed the adjective in the early nineteenth century from French tartarique, a term associated with tartar. In the same chemical family, tartrate names salts derived from tartaric acid, while tartar remains the related source word.
How tartaric is actually used
This is chiefly a technical adjective used in chemistry, enology, food science, and related fields.
Easily confused with tartaric
Tartar is a solid deposit or substance, whereas tartaric is an adjective relating to tartaric acid.