How to pronounce saltpetre
Say it like SAWLT-pee-ter. Saltpetre has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWLT).
- SAWLT
- pee
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Saltpetre pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAWLTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- peeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of saltpetre
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: SAWLT-pee-tuh.
What does saltpetre mean?
- Potassium nitrate.
- Sodium nitrate.
- To treat with saltpetre.
Where does saltpetre come from?
From Middle English saltpetre, alteration of Old French salpetre, from Medieval Latin sāl petrae (“salt of the rock”), named so being found as an incrustation.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- niter
- caliche
Questions about saying saltpetre
How do you pronounce saltpetre?
Say SAWLT-pee-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɔltpitər/. In British English it is /ˈsɔːltpitə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in saltpetre?
Saltpetre has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWLT). Broken into parts: SAWLT · pee · ter.
Is saltpetre pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsɔːltpitə/ (SAWLT-pee-tuh).