denitrify

[dee-nahy-truh-fahy]

verb (used with object), de·ni·tri·fied, de·ni·tri·fy·ing. Chemistry.

to remove nitrogen or nitrogen compounds from.

to reduce (nitrates) to nitrites, ammonia, and free nitrogen, as in soil by microorganisms.

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. 2019

Examples from the Web for denitrification

Historical Examples of denitrification

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

to undergo or cause to undergo loss or removal of nitrogen compounds or nitrogen

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

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