nitric

American  

[nahy-trik] / ˈnaɪ trɪk /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. containing nitrogen, usually in the pentavalent state.

2. of or relating to niter.

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nitric British  

/ ˈnaɪtrɪk /

adjective

1. of or containing nitrogen, esp in the pentavalent state

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nitric Scientific  

/ nī′trĭk /

1. Containing nitrogen, especially nitrogen with a valence of 5.

2. Compare nitrous

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Other Word Forms

• nonnitric adjective

Etymology

Origin of nitric

1785–95; nitr- + -ic, modeled on French nitrique

Example Sentences

Patients with asthma showed a median 56% reduction in fractional exhaled nitric oxide, indicating reduced airway inflammation.

From Barron's

The CPD gene normally produces an enzyme responsible for generating the amino acid arginine, which then helps create nitric oxide, a key neurotransmitter involved in nerve signaling.

From Science Daily

Nitrous oxide was first synthesized in the late 18th century, by dampening iron filings with nitric acid and heating it to create a gas.

From Los Angeles Times

Even substances that don’t look like well-known signals might act as messengers, as scientists learned when it turned out that gases such as nitric oxide can affect organs.

From Science Magazine

The port and the company are currently negotiating Norwegian’s contribution to the project — a welcome gesture given previous years of emitting carbon and sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and other harmful particulate matter on Seattle’s waterfront.

From Seattle Times