sodium nitrite

American  

noun

1. Chemistry. a yellowish or white crystalline compound, NaNO 2 , soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and ether: used in the manufacture of dyes and as a color fixative.

2. Nutrition. this compound added to food as a preservative and for flavor and color, especially in pork, fish, and beef products: implicated in the formation of suspected carcinogens.

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Etymology

Origin of sodium nitrite

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times

In a 34-page decision, Robart said the product label for the sodium nitrite identified the dangers of using the chemical, which is sometimes used in cured meats.

From Reuters

Instead, it indicates whether the meat contains synthetic sodium nitrite or nitrites derived from “natural” ingredients.

From Washington Post

That nitrate gets converted to nitrite and — voila! — you get the same effect that regular, cured bacon and hot dogs get from regular old sodium nitrite.

From Washington Post