nitro

¹

[ nahy-troh ]

adjective

1. Chemistry. containing the nitro group.

noun

1. nitroglycerin.

nitro-

²

1. a combining form used in the names of chemical compounds in which the nitro group is present:

   nitroglycerin.

nitro-

¹

combining_form

1. indicating that a chemical compound contains a nitro group, -NO 2

   nitrobenzene

2. indicating that a chemical compound is a nitrate ester

   nitrocellulose

nitro

²

/ ˈnaɪtrəʊ /

noun

1. See nitroglycerine
   slang.
   short for nitroglycerine

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitro¹

First recorded in 1855–60; nitro-

Origin of nitro²

Combining form of Greek nítron. See niter

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitro¹

from Greek nitron natron

Example Sentences

It consisted merely in mixing nitro-glycerin with about an equal quantity of very finely divided earth.

From Project Gutenberg

The two manufactures, however, which seem to lead in the demand for glycerine are of nitro-glycerine and of oleomargarine.

From Project Gutenberg

Nitro-glycerin was shaken with a strong aqueous solution of commercial K2S.

From Project Gutenberg

The filtrate was clear, and the sulphur bore hammering without the slightest indication of nitro-glycerin.

From Project Gutenberg

He was standing at the entrance of a cosy little funk-hole, his boots and tunic undone, sniffing the morning nitro-glycerine.

From Project Gutenberg