fuming nitric acid

noun

1. a colorless, yellowish, or brownish fuming corrosive liquid, usually prepared from nitric acid by the addition of excess nitrogen dioxide: used in organic synthesis for nitration, and as an oxidizer in liquid propellants for rockets.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fuming nitric acid¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

Similarly good graphene oxide could be synthesized previously only using rather dangerous method involving extremely toxic fuming nitric acid.

From Science Daily

Not content with that, Prof Poliakoff and Mr Barnes then placed a second new fiver in a beaker and filled it with "fuming nitric acid" - a "witches' brew" of nitric acid plus dinitrogen tetroxide.

From BBC

Everything is turbine pumps and red fuming nitric acid and supersonic flight.

From Washington Times

Everything is still turbine pumps and red fuming nitric acid and supersonic flight.

From Washington Times

Unlike liquid oxygen, which must be kept in extremely cold temperature, red fuming nitric acid can be stored in normal temperatures, which makes it a convenient propellant for missiles, the official said.

From New York Times