denitrifier

American  

[dee-nahy-truh-fahy-er] / diˈnaɪ trəˌfaɪ ər /

noun

Chemistry, Biology.

1. any of the bacteria or other microbes, as those found in soil, that convert nitrates into nitrites, ammonia, ammonium compounds, and free atmospheric nitrogen.

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Etymology

Origin of denitrifier

First recorded in 1890–95; denitrify ( def. ) + -er ¹ ( def. )