NITRIC Meaning and
Definition
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Nitric is an adjective that relates to, contains, or derives from the chemical element nitrogen, specifically in its pentavalent state. It is commonly associated with the compound nitric acid (HNO3), which is a highly corrosive liquid utilized in various industrial applications. The term nitric can refer to the characteristic properties, attributes, or compounds that involve nitrogen.
When describing substances, nitric typically refers to the presence or formation of nitrates or nitrites. Nitrates are compounds that consist of nitrogen and oxygen, often used as fertilizers due to their high solubility and the fact that plants thrive on the nitrogen they provide. Nitrites, on the other hand, are compounds comprising nitrogen and oxygen that are frequently used as preservatives in food products and are also involved in certain biological processes.
In a broader context, nitric can also pertain to certain chemical reactions or processes that involve the conversion of organic or inorganic nitrogen compounds into nitric acid or other nitrogen-based substances. This term is commonly used in fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, and environmental science to describe the role or behavior of nitrogen and its compounds.
Overall, the term nitric describes anything connected to nitrogen, particularly when referring to its pentavalent state, compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, or chemical reactions involving the conversion of nitrogen compounds.
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Of or from nitre, as nitric acid.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NITRIC
Etymology of NITRIC
The word "nitric" derives from the Latin word "nitricus", which is related to the Latin word "nitrum" or "natrum". These Latin terms refer to naturally occurring minerals such as saltpeter or niter, which were used to produce nitric acid. The Latin word "nitrum" can be traced back to the Greek word "nítron" (νίτρον), which also refers to the same mineral.
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