nitrite
Americannoun
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A salt or ester of nitrous acid, containing the group NO 2. Nitrites are an important component of the nitrogen cycle and are used as food preservatives.
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Compare nitrate
Etymology
Origin of nitrite
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The team found that tiny copper particles form during the reaction itself, and these particles assist in converting nitrite ions into ammonia.
From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025
Depending on whom you ask, it is either the nitrite preservatives used in these products or the high levels of fat and salt.
From Slate • Aug. 2, 2025
She accepted that if she had done so, she would have been able to see it was in fact sodium nitrite.
From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024
Scientists have also studied poisons such as sodium nitrite, but they risk harming other species.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023
It decomposes when heated to 90�; with water it gives nitric oxide and cupric nitrate and nitrite.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3 "Convention" to "Copyright" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
