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 Agriculture also leaks plenty of the excess nitrogen into waterways in the form of nitrate, generating algal blooms that create low-oxygen ‘dead zones’ where no marine life can live. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024 The nitrates present in some hot dogs are a particular concern among consumers. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024 Wisconsin unlikely to create tougher nitrate rules Despite comments from the public urging the state to develop regulations on nitrates, the Wisconsin Department of Resources hasn't moved ahead on those rules. Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2024 However, nitrates are also found in vegetables, water and naturally in our bodies and studies show these sources of nitrates can modestly lower blood pressure. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 19 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for nitrate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nitrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 2 Jul. 2024.

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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