nitrate

noun

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt How to pronounce nitrate (audio)
-trət
plural nitrates
1
: a salt or ester of nitric acid
2
: sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate used as a fertilizer
3
: any of several nitric-acid esters of cellulose : nitrocellulose
especially : a product (such as celluloid film) made from cellulose nitrate
In the case of the Clark Gable Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), the nitrate original was destroyed before anyone noticed the transferred soundtrack was out of sync. Roy Hemming

Examples of nitrate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Beetroot powder is rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide—a vasodilator that widens blood vessels. Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025 Like with the current TikTok trend, the FDA said that consuming it could interfere with nitrates and lower blood pressure below safe levels. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024 Lunch meats contain salt, seasonings, preservatives, colorings and nitrates, many of which are harmful to dogs and can cause discomfort or an upset stomach. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 These red meat products often contain harmful substances like nitrates and sodium and have low nutritional value. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nitrate 

Word History

Etymology

French, from nitrique

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrate was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near nitrate

Cite this Entry

“Nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrate. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrate

noun
ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt How to pronounce nitrate (audio)
-trət
1
: a chemical compound formed by the reaction of nitric acid with another substance
2
: nitrate of sodium or potassium used as a fertilizer

Medical Definition

nitrate

noun
: a salt or ester of nitric acid

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrate

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