sodium nitrite
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
Etymology
Origin of sodium nitrite
First recorded in 1900–05
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 says the findings support taking immediate steps to address access to sodium nitrite and the circulation of harmful information online.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 15, 2026
The coroner said the hospital’s chief pharmacist admitted there had been a “complete and total” failure in checks within the pharmacy, which led to a box of sodium nitrite being issued instead of sodium bicarbonate.
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
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 ● Jun. 28, 2023
The dose of sodium nitrite is from 0.03 to 0.06 gm.
From Disturbances of the Heart by Oliver T. (Oliver Thomas) Osborne
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
