adj

nitric

NYT-rihk

Nitric (adj) means relating to or containing nitrogen. Example: “Nitric compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry.”

adj

Relating to or containing nitrogen.

"Nitric compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry."

noun

Short for nitric acid, a strong, corrosive acid used in manufacturing and explosives.

"Nitric acid is used to make fertilizers and explosives."

How to use nitric

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribes anything containing or related to nitrogen, especially nitric acid.

Easily confused with

nitrous →

Common pairings

nitric acid nitric oxide

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_____ compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry.

Etymology

Formed from "nitro-" plus the adjective ending "-ic," paralleling the French nitrique.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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nitrous azotic

Related words

azotic nitrous

Frequently asked questions

What does “nitric” mean?

The word “nitric” means relating to or containing nitrogen. In plain terms, describes anything containing or related to nitrogen, especially nitric acid.

How do you pronounce “nitric”?

“Nitric” is pronounced NYT-rihk (/ˈnaɪtɹɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “nitric” in a sentence?

Here is “nitric” used in a sentence: “Nitric compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry.”

What part of speech is “nitric”?

Depending on how it is used, “nitric” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “nitric” come from?

The word “nitric” comes from French. Formed from "nitro-" plus the adjective ending "-ic," paralleling the French nitrique.

How many meanings does “nitric” have?

“Nitric” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or containing nitrogen.

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azotic nitrous