1. sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent in baking
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The pioneer woman used saleratus to make her biscuits rise.
• Before modern baking powder, cooks relied on saleratus for leavening.
• The recipe called for a teaspoon of saleratus mixed with buttermilk.
• Saleratus was commonly sold in general stores during the 1800s.
• She kept her saleratus in a tin container to prevent moisture.
• The bread failed to rise because the saleratus had lost its potency.