denitrifier

[ dee-nahy-truh-fahy-er ]

noun

, Chemistry, Biology.

1. any of the bacteria or other microbes, as those found in soil, that convert nitrates into nitrites, ammonia, ammonium compounds, and free atmospheric nitrogen. Compare nitrifier ( def ).denitrification ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of denitrifier¹

First recorded in 1890–95; denitrify ( def ) + -er ¹( def )