saleratus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a white soluble compound (NaHCO3) used in effervescent drinks and in baking powders and as an antacid
    baking soda; sodium bicarbonate; sodium hydrogen carbonate; bicarbonate of soda.

WordNet

Sal`e*ra"tus noun
Etymology
NL. sal aëratus; -- so called because it is a source of fixed air (carbon dioxide). See Sal, and and Aërated.
Definitions
  1. (Old Chem.) Aërated salt; a white crystalline substance having an alkaline taste and reaction, consisting of sodium bicarbonate (see under Sodium.) It is lagerly used in cooking, with sour milk (lactic acid) or cream of tartar as a substitute for yeast. It is also an ingridient of most baking powders, and is used in the preparation of effervescing drinks.

Webster 1913