Pronunciations (3)
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/ˈnaɪˌtɹeɪt/
Pronunciation notes
- US
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[ˈnaɪ̯ˌtʰɹeɪ̯t]
Pronunciation notes
- US
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ˈnaɪˌtɹeɪt
Pronunciation notes
- US
Noun
Any salt or ester of nitric acid.
- Examples
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More examples (2)
Nitrates are most commonly used in fertilizers, especially sodium and potassium nitrates. Numerous water wells have had to be abandoned because of the lack of a way to deal with the problem.
The underground water which feeds Britain's springs and rivers and provides a third of its drinking water is becoming seriously polluted with nitrates, causing a threat to wildlife and landing consumers with a big purification bill.
The pinkness of bacon – or cooked ham, or salami – is a sign that it has been treated with chemicals, more specifically with nitrates and nitrites.
Verb
To treat, or react, with nitric acid or a nitrate
Noun
any compound containing the nitrate group (such as a salt or ester of nitric acid)
- Broader terms
Verb
treat with nitric acid, so as to change an organic compound into a nitrate
- Examples
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nitroglycerin is obtained by nitrating glycerol