Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

denitrify

[dee-nahy-truh-fahy]
verb (used with object), de·ni·tri·fied, de·ni·tri·fy·ing. Chemistry.
  1. to remove nitrogen or nitrogen compounds from.
  2. to reduce (nitrates) to nitrites, ammonia, and free nitrogen, as in soil by microorganisms.
Show More

Origin of denitrify

First recorded in 1890–95; de- + nitrify
Related formsde·ni·tri·fi·ca·tion, nounde·ni·tri·fi·er, de·ni·tri·fi·ca·tor, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for denitrification

Historical Examples

  • There will be some loss of nitrogen through leaching and denitrification.

    The First Book of Farming

    Charles L. Goodrich

  • This loss of nitrogen by denitrification can be checked by keeping the soil well ventilated.

    The First Book of Farming

    Charles L. Goodrich

British Dictionary definitions for denitrification

denitrify

verb -fies, -fying or -fied
  1. to undergo or cause to undergo loss or removal of nitrogen compounds or nitrogen
Show More
Derived Formsdenitrification, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for denitrification

n.

1883; see de- + nitrification. Related: Denitrate; denitrify.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper