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

Derived Forms

• nonnitric
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nitric

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

Example Sentences

Protein aggregates, together with aging and environmental factors, may spark inflammation that generates nitric oxide.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

EPA alleged the company stored about 8,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid and 34,000 pounds of nitric acid at a Kent, Wash., facility — but neglected to report these stockpiles to the appropriate government agencies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Older adults tend to produce less nitric oxide as they age, and reduced nitric oxide availability can affect blood vessel function.

From Science Daily • May 25, 2026

Officials have previously responded to spills at the facility, including of nitric acid, within the past few years, Sigman said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

In words belonging to chemistry derivatives in -ic denote the acid containing most oxygen, when more than one is formed: as nitric acid.

From New Word-Analysis by William Swinton