nitrate

noun

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt 

-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

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

Chemical preservatives, including nitrates and nitrites, are often used during the curing process. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

This too is brand- and recipe-dependent, however many deli meats are preserved with chemical compounds called nitrates and nitrites. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French, from nitrique

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nitrate

• ammonium nitrate
• amyl nitrate
• cellulose nitrate
• nitrate of soda
• peroxyacetyl nitrate
• potassium nitrate
• silver nitrate
• sodium nitrate

Kids Definition

nitrate

noun

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt 

-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

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt, -trət 

: a salt or ester of nitric acid