What is "calcium nitrate"

n. (context inorganic compound English) A colourless salt that absorbs moisture from the air and mainly used as a component in fertilizer.

n. a deliquescent salt that is soluble in water; sometimes used as a source of nitrogen in fertilizers

Calcium nitrate, also called Norgessalpeter (Norwegian saltpeter), is the inorganic compound with the formula Ca(NO). This colourless salt absorbs moisture from the air and is commonly found as a tetrahydrate. It is mainly used as a component in fertilizers but has other applications. Nitrocalcite is the name for a mineral which is a hydrated calcium nitrate that forms as an efflorescence where manure contacts concrete or limestone in a dry environment as in stables or caverns. A variety of related salts are known including calcium ammonium nitrate decahydrate and calcium potassium nitrate decahydrate.