nitrosamine

[ nahy-troh-suh-meen, nahy-trohs-am-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any of a series of compounds with the type formula R 2 NNO, some of which are carcinogenic, formed in cured meats by the conversion of nitrite.

nitrosamine

/ ˌnaɪtrəʊsəˈmiːn; ˌnaɪtrəʊsˈæmiːn /

noun

1. any one of a class of neutral, usually yellow oily compounds containing the divalent group =NNO

nitrosamine

/ nī-trō′sə-mēn′,nī′trōs-ăm′ēn /

1. Any of a class of organic compounds with the general formula R 2 NNO or RNHNO, where R is an organic radical. Nitrosamines are present in various foods and other products, and certain ones are very carcinogenic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrosamine¹

1875–80; nitros- ( def ) + amine

Example Sentences

Since 2018, federal regulators have alerted the public about nitrosamine contamination in samples of the heartburn medication Zantac, the antibiotic rifampin and the smoking-cessation drug Chantix.

From New York Times

The impurity, known as NTTP, belongs to the family of nitrosamine compounds that have in recent years been discovered in a number of medications.

From New York Times

Scientists at the agency have set a lifetime exposure to nitrosamine in medication at 37 nanogram per day, though it will allow up to 246 nanograms in sitagliptin for the time being.

From New York Times

District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan found no plausible allegations that Pfizer had a duty to disclose that Chantix was contaminated by a type of carcinogen known as a nitrosamine, or was unfit to help consumers quit smoking.

From Reuters

The F.D.A. said in September that the contaminant was a type of nitrosamine called N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, which is believed to be carcinogenic in humans and is found in a variety of products, including cured meats.

From New York Times