nitrify

[ nahy-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, ni·tri·fied, ni·tri·fy·ing.

1. Chemistry, Biology. to oxidize (ammonia, ammonium compounds, or free atmospheric nitrogen) to nitrites and then to nitrates, especially in soil by bacterial or other microbial action.
2. Chemistry. to infuse with nitrogen or nitrogen compounds.
3. Chemistry. to treat or combine with nitrogen or its compounds.
4. Chemistry. (formerly) to convert into niter.

nitrify

/ ˈnaɪtrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to treat or cause to react with nitrogen or a nitrogen compound
2. to treat (soil) with nitrates
3. (of nitrobacteria) to convert (ammonium compounds) into nitrates by oxidation

Derived Forms

• ˈnitriˌfiable, adjective

Other Words From

• nitri·fia·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrify¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French nitrifier; nitr-, niter, -i-, -fy

Example Sentences

A thin layer of solution will nitrify sooner than a deep layer, owing to the larger proportion of oxygen available.

From Project Gutenberg