Of the nature of, related to, or derived from tartar or argol. tartaric acid (formerly tartareous or tartarous acid), an organic acid, C₄H₆O₆ = C₄H₂O₂ + (OH)₄, or CO₂H·(CHOH)₂·CO₂H, of which there are five isomeric forms, differing in their optical properties, viz. dextrotartaric acid (dextrorotary), lævotartaric acid (lævorotary), paratartaric acid (distinctively called racemic adj. acid), mesotartaric acid (optically inactive), and metatartaric acid; specifically, the first of these, a colourless crystalline compound, occurring largely in the vegetable kingdom, esp. in unripe grapes, and as a potassium salt in argol or tartar of wine, from which it is commercially prepared. So tartaric amide, tartaric anhydride, tartaric ether, an amide, anhydride, or ether of tartaric acid.

Of, pertaining to, or connected with the Tartars or Tartary.