Etymologically
Log in

τάρταρον

History Permalink

Etymology and origin of the Ancient Greek word τάρταρον

Confidence
Uncertain
First attested
Byzantine alchemical texts
From the same root
English tartar ← τάρταρον

Forms

τάρταρον (tártaron) [1]

Etymology

The origin is unknown.[1][2] Wiktionary suggests, as a possibility, a borrowing from Arabic دُرْدِيّ (durdiyy).[1] Etymonline considers a Semitic source possible but notes that none has been identified, and that Arabic is unlikely because the word appears early in Latin.[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is found in the Byzantine alchemical writings, meaning tartar, the crust that wine leaves on the sides of casks.[3][1][2]

Semantic evolution

In Byzantine Greek it named cream of tartar.[1] Medieval Latin took it over as Latin tartarum, and Old French tartre and English tartar (late 14th century) continue it; the English word later also named deposits on the teeth.[1][2] Russian тарта́р (tartár) comes from it as well.[1]

Timeline

  • Byzantine period – Alchemical texts use it for tartar.[3][1]
  • Late 14th century – English tartar is recorded, from Old French tartre and Medieval Latin tartarum.[2]

Meanings

Noun

  1. (Byzantine, alchemy) Tartar, the deposit of wine; cream of tartar.[3][1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Charbonnet, André (2025), Chæréphon, v4.7: supplement to Bailly from papyri, inscriptions and recent lexica
Cite this entry

“Τάρταρον.” Etymologically, 8 Nov. 2026, etymologically.com/grc/%CF%84%CE%AC%CF%81%CF%84%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BD. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

Last edited on . ·