nitrite

noun

ni·​trite ˈnī-ˌtrīt How to pronounce nitrite (audio)
: a salt or ester of nitrous acid

Examples of nitrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Other preservatives, such as nitrites and nitrates used for curing meats, take a more indirect approach. Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 As the water flows over this biofilm, the first kind—Nitrosomonas—converts ammonia from fish waste into nitrites, and the second kind—Nitrobacter—breaks down the nitrites into nitrates, which are relatively nontoxic to fish and good food for plants. IEEE Spectrum, 3 June 2013 Since the late 1980s, the federal government has outlawed the sale of butyl and alkyl nitrites, two of the chemical compounds that are commonly bottled as poppers. David MacK, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2025 These tests detect signs of infection, such as leukocyte esterase (white blood cell matter in the urine) and nitrite in the urine.4 Home testing is never as accurate or effective as testing in a medical clinic or hospital. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nitrite

Word History

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrite was in 1788

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Cite this Entry

“Nitrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrite. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrite

noun
ni·​trite ˈnī-ˌtrīt How to pronounce nitrite (audio)
: a salt of a certain unstable nitrogen-containing acid that is known only in solution or in the form of its salts

Medical Definition

nitrite

noun
ni·​trite ˈnī-ˌtrīt How to pronounce nitrite (audio)
: a salt or ester of nitrous acid

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