Argols

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Crusty deposits or sediment, especially in wine casks or containers, formed by potassium bitartrate; a term used in winemaking for these crystalline residues
2. Potassium bitartrate accumulations found as crystalline solids in barrels or bottles during fermentation or aging processes; commonly referred to as deposits in wine production
3. Solid, crystalline deposits composed mainly of potassium bitartrate that appear on the surfaces or bottoms of vessels holding fermenting grape juice, typically seen in traditional winemaking contexts

Etymology: Argols is the plural of "argol," a noun for the hard, crusty deposit that forms in wine casks as it ages, mostly potassium bitartrate, which winemakers today call tartar. The singular is the form that carries the etymology, and its origin is uncertain: it may be related to the ancient Greek "argos," meaning "bright" or "shining." The link is tentative, but it would fit the pale, glistening crystals that the deposit leaves on cask walls.

Synonyms: cream of tartar, tartar