nitrogen-fixing

[ nahy-truh-juhn-fik-sing ]

/ ˈnaɪ trə dʒənˌfɪk sɪŋ /

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adjective

involved in or aiding the process of nitrogen fixation.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of nitrogen-fixing

First recorded in 1895–1900

Words nearby nitrogen-fixing

nitrogen base, nitrogen cycle, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen fixation, nitrogen fixer, nitrogen-fixing, nitrogenize, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen mustard, nitrogen narcosis, nitrogenous

How to use nitrogen-fixing in a sentence

The soil must be well ventilated to supply nitrogen for the nitrogen-fixing germs and oxygen for the nitrifying germs.
The First Book of Farming|Charles L. Goodrich
To do their work well the nitrogen-fixing germs and the nitrifying germs require certain conditions.
The First Book of Farming|Charles L. Goodrich
This they do not of their own power but through the aid of very minute plants called bacteria or nitrogen-fixing germs.
The First Book of Farming|Charles L. Goodrich
Such plants as are hosts for the nitrogen-fixing bacteria are planted early in the season.
A Civic Biology|George William Hunter

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria also add to the stores of nitrogen compounds.
The Enclosures in England|Harriett Bradley

Cultural definitions for nitrogen-fixing

nitrogen fixing

The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (which plants cannot absorb) into forms of nitrogen that plants can absorb. Bacteria in the topsoil carry out the conversion.