An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A reddish-brown deposit consisting mainly of potassium hydrogen tartrate, which forms during the fermentation of wine. Same as → argol.

Etymology (EN): From O.Fr. tartre, from L. tartarum, from late Gk. tartaron “tartar encrusting the sides of wine casks,” perhaps relating to Pers. dord (?).

Etymology (PE): Dord “lees, dregs, sediment, tartar of wine.”