nitrite
Americannoun
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A salt or ester of nitrous acid, containing the group NO 2. Nitrites are an important component of the nitrogen cycle and are used as food preservatives.
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Compare nitrate
Etymology
Origin of nitrite
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The team found that tiny copper particles form during the reaction itself, and these particles assist in converting nitrite ions into ammonia.
From Science Daily • Nov. 22, 2025
Depending on whom you ask, it is either the nitrite preservatives used in these products or the high levels of fat and salt.
From Slate • Aug. 2, 2025
Westminster Coroners’ Court heard Elena Ali and Sunny Parker-Propst were both given sodium nitrite instead of sodium bicarbonate in 2020 while under the care of staff at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
From BBC • Jul. 22, 2024
Scientists have also studied poisons such as sodium nitrite, but they risk harming other species.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023
Test the peptone water itself for the presence of indol and nitrite by the addition of pure concentrated H2SO4.
From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
