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

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Etymology

Origin of nitric

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitric

Burning natural gas also causes significant air pollution in the form of nitric oxides, sulfur, mercury and particulates, while hydraulic fracturing or "fracking," can contaminate ground water supplies.

From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026

The proposed changes pertain to a 2023 rule designed to tamp down NOx -- shorthand for nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide -- from truck tailpipes, beginning with model year 2027.

From Barron's ● Jul. 9, 2026

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

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

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