nitric acid

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless or yellowish, fuming, suffocating, caustic, corrosive, water-soluble liquid, HNO 3 , having powerful oxidizing properties, usually obtained from ammonia or from Chile saltpeter: used chiefly in the manufacture of explosives and fertilizers and in organic synthesis.

---

nitric acid British  

noun

1. Former name: aqua fortis.  a colourless or yellowish fuming corrosive liquid usually used in aqueous solution. It is an oxidizing agent and a strong monobasic acid: important in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and many other chemicals. Formula: HNO 3

---

nitric acid Scientific  

1. A clear, colorless to yellow liquid that is very corrosive and can dissolve most metals. It is used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and rocket fuels. Chemical formula: HNO ₃ .

---

Etymology

Origin of nitric acid

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitric acid

EPA alleged the company stored about 8,000 pounds of hydrofluoric acid and 34,000 pounds of nitric acid at a Kent, Wash., facility — but neglected to report these stockpiles to the appropriate government agencies.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2026

Officials have previously responded to spills at the facility, including of nitric acid, within the past few years, Sigman said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 22, 2026

This is then used to make nitric acid, which can be applied to the soil.

From BBC ● Feb. 26, 2024

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

From Science Daily ● Feb. 20, 2024

The stuff was like nitric acid, and moreover, in swallowing it one had the sensation of being hit on the back of the head with a rubber club.

From "1984" by George Orwell