Rochelle salt

noun

Ro·​chelle salt rō-ˈshel- How to pronounce Rochelle salt (audio)
: a crystalline salt KNaC4H4O6·4H2O that is a mild purgative

Word History

Etymology

La Rochelle, France

First Known Use

1712, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rochelle salt was in 1712

Dictionary Entries Near Rochelle salt

Cite this Entry

“Rochelle salt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rochelle%20salt. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

Rochelle salt

noun
Ro·​chelle salt rō-ˌshel- How to pronounce Rochelle salt (audio)
: a salt of potassium and sodium that is used as a laxative

Medical Definition

Rochelle salt

noun
Ro·​chelle salt rō-ˈshel- How to pronounce Rochelle salt (audio)
: a crystalline salt C4H4KNaO6·4H2O that is a mild purgative

called also potassium sodium tartrate, Seignette salt, sodium potassium tartrate

More from Merriam-Webster on Rochelle salt

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!