silver nitrate

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a white, crystalline, water-soluble, bitter, corrosive, poisonous powder, AgNO 3 , produced by the reaction of silver and dilute nitric acid: used chiefly in the manufacture of photographic emulsions and mirrors, as a laboratory reagent, and in medicine as an antiseptic, astringent, and in the routine prophylaxis of ophthalmia neonatorum.

silver nitrate

noun

1. a white crystalline soluble poisonous substance used in making photographic emulsions, other silver salts, and as a medical antiseptic and astringent. Formula: AgNO 3 See also lunar caustic

silver nitrate

1. A poisonous, clear, crystalline compound that darkens when exposed to light. It is used in photography and silver plating, and as an external antiseptic. Chemical formula: AgNO 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of silver nitrate¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

At once cover the mouth of the tube with a filter-paper cap moistened with saturated aqueous solution of silver nitrate (1:1).

From Project Gutenberg

The alkaline solution reduced Fehling solution and ammoniacal silver nitrate, indicating the presence of a sugar.

From Project Gutenberg

Fehling solution and ammoniacal silver nitrate were reduced by it.

From Project Gutenberg

This fragrant residue was difficultly soluble in water and the solution reduced silver nitrate in ammonia.

From Project Gutenberg

Some sodium tetraborate (borax) is dissolved in a little water and silver nitrate is added to a small part of the solution.

From Project Gutenberg