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nitrite

American  
[nahy-trahyt] / ˈnaɪ traɪt /

noun

  1. Chemistry. a salt or ester of nitrous acid.

  2. Nutrition. sodium nitrite.


nitrite British  
/ ˈnaɪtraɪt /

noun

  1. any salt or ester of nitrous acid

"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

nitrite Scientific  
/ nītrīt′ /
  1. 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.

  2. Compare nitrate


Etymology

Origin of nitrite

First recorded in 1790–1800; nitr- + -ite 1

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

Amyl nitrites emerged in the 19th century as an early treatment for chest pain and asthma attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

She was prescribed a sodium bicarbonate infusion, but was instead given a sodium nitrite infusion.

From BBC

The ash enriched the seawater, especially with nitrate, nitrite and ammonium, tasty sources of nitrogen for all of your photosynthetic needs.

From Science Daily

Scientists have also studied poisons such as sodium nitrite, but they risk harming other species.

From Seattle Times