nitro

[ nahy-troh ]

/ ˈnaɪ troʊ /

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adjective

Chemistry. containing the nitro group.

noun

nitroglycerin.

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Origin of nitro

First recorded in 1855–60; see origin at nitro-

Other definitions for nitro (2 of 2)

nitro-

a combining form used in the names of chemical compounds in which the nitro group is present: nitroglycerin.

Also especially before a vowel, nitr-.

Origin of nitro-

Combining form of Greek nítron.See niter

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use nitro in a sentence

It consisted merely in mixing nitro-glycerin with about an equal quantity of very finely divided earth.
Invention|Bradley A. Fiske
The two manufactures, however, which seem to lead in the demand for glycerine are of nitro-glycerine and of oleomargarine.
Scientific American Supplement No. 299|Various
Nitro-glycerin was shaken with a strong aqueous solution of commercial K2S.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XV., No. 388, June 9, 1883|Various
The filtrate was clear, and the sulphur bore hammering without the slightest indication of nitro-glycerin.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XV., No. 388, June 9, 1883|Various

He was standing at the entrance of a cosy little funk-hole, his boots and tunic undone, sniffing the morning nitro-glycerine.
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 152, March 21, 1917|Various

British Dictionary definitions for nitro (1 of 2)

nitro

/ (ˈnaɪtrəʊ) /

noun

slang short for nitroglycerine

British Dictionary definitions for nitro (2 of 2)

nitro-

before a vowel nitr-

combining form

indicating that a chemical compound contains a nitro group, -NO 2nitrobenzene

indicating that a chemical compound is a nitrate esternitrocellulose

Word Origin for nitro-

from Greek nitron natron

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