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

The presence of earthworms increases the nitrifying powers of the soil bacteria and decreases putrifaction of the soil.

From Literature

Called brachialactone, it reduces nitrous oxide emissions by blocking enzymatic pathways in nitrifying bacteria.

From Nature

The hard, nitrified rock held out stoutly against the assaults of both iron and gunpowder; and much time was spent in hollowing out the basin in which the lighthouse was to be fixed.

From Project Gutenberg

In addition to collecting nitrate samples, we’ll be filtering seawater and taking the filters home to see if DNA from nitrifying organisms is present.

From New York Times

The research results reveal a link between fire, charcoal deposition, nitrification, and abundance of nitrifying organisms in coniferous forests of the inland Northwestern US.

From US News