noun

nitride

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Nitride (noun) means a compound formed when nitrogen bonds with another element and carries a −3 oxidation state. Example: “Titanium nitride is often used as a hard coating on cutting tools.”

noun

chemistry A compound formed when nitrogen bonds with another element and carries a −3 oxidation state.

"Titanium nitride is often used as a hard coating on cutting tools."

"Silicon nitride ceramics can withstand very high temperatures."

"The lab tested several metal nitrides for their hardness."

verb

chemistry To harden the surface of a metal by treating it with the nitriding process.

"Engineers nitride steel gears to make them more wear resistant."

"The workshop nitrides camshafts before they are fitted to engines."

"Once the part is nitrided, its surface resists corrosion far better."

How to use nitride

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA nitride is a nitrogen compound, and to nitride something means to harden its surface using nitrogen.

When to use it

Nitride is a technical term found mainly in chemistry and materials science.

Memory tip

The noun and verb share the same spelling, but the verb specifically describes a surface-hardening process.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

nitrate → nitrite

Common pairings

metal nitride boron nitride nitride coating nitride layer

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “nitride” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Titanium _____ is often used as a hard coating on cutting tools.

Etymology

Nitride is built from the first part of ‘nitrogen’ combined with the suffix ‘-ide’, a pattern regularly used when naming chemical compounds. The verb is a conversion of the same noun.

Origin: English

Rhymes for nitride

ide tide hide ride wide side bide aide elide abide slide bride

See all rhymes for nitride →

Frequently asked questions

What is a nitride?

A nitride is a compound in which nitrogen carries an oxidation state of minus three, often formed with a metal or another element.

What does it mean to nitride something?

To nitride a metal means to treat its surface so nitrogen is introduced into it, hardening the surface layer.

What are nitrides used for?

Nitrides such as titanium nitride or silicon nitride are commonly used as hard, wear-resistant coatings and ceramics.

What is the meaning of nitride?

"nitride" (noun) means a compound formed when nitrogen bonds with another element and carries a −3 oxidation state.