nitrosamine

noun

ni·​tro·​sa·​mine nī-ˈtrō-sə-ˌmēn 

: any of various organic compounds which are characterized by the grouping NNO and some of which are powerful carcinogens

Examples of nitrosamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Everyone is exposed to some level of nitrosamines. — Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 15 June 2026

The drugs may contain unsafe levels of nitrosamines, chemicals that can raise the risk of cancer over time. — Jenna Anderson, Health, 17 June 2026

The nitrates and nitrites added to meat can be converted into potentially carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026

Some of the most damaging items on that long list are carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitrosamine

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

nitrosamine

noun

ni·​tro·​sa·​mine nī-ˈtrō-sə-ˌmēn 

variants also nitrosoamine

-sō-ə-ˌmēn, -ˈam-ˌēn 

: any of various neutral compounds which are characterized by the group NNO and of which some are powerful carcinogens