adj
nitric
NYT-rihk
Nitric (adj) means relating to or containing nitrogen. Example: “Nitric compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry.”
adj
1
Relating to or containing nitrogen.
"Nitric compounds play a key role in industrial chemistry."
noun
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything containing or related to nitrogen, especially nitric acid.
Easily confused with
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.
Synonyms
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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.
