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

These included potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, and acetic acid.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

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

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

"Kristine and Ethan's fates were undisputedly tragic, but the court can only conclude that they necessarily knew the dangers of bodily injury and death associated with ingesting sodium nitrite," Robart wrote.

From Reuters • Jun. 28, 2023

When thoroughly cold stir in 2½ pints of sodium nitrite solution containing 3 lb. per gallon.

From The Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics A Practical Handbook for the Dyer and Student by Beech, Franklin