de·ni·tri·fi·ca·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən 
: the loss or removal of nitrogen or nitrogen compounds
specifically
: reduction of nitrates or nitrites commonly by bacteria (as in soil) that usually results in the escape of nitrogen into the air
de·nitrify
(ˈ)dē+
: to deprive of or free from nitrogen or its compounds
also
: to convert (nitrates or nitrites) into compounds of lower oxidation states : subject to denitrification
Examples of denitrification in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
One worrying sign is that each trawl decreased denitrification more than the previous trawl.
—Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 3 Mar. 2020
Ultimately, officials say, Suffolk County needs recurring revenue to subsidize new sewers and individual denitrification units, whether a surcharge on water bills or some other tax.
—Lisa W. Foderaro, New York Times, 8 May 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
For example, compaction reduces pore space, which holds oxygen and a lack of oxygen in the soil can increase the rate in which some bacteria perform denitrification, a gaseous loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere.
—Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
One worrying sign is that each trawl decreased denitrification more than the previous trawl.
—Erik Stokstad, Science | AAAS, 3 Mar. 2020
Ultimately, officials say, Suffolk County needs recurring revenue to subsidize new sewers and individual denitrification units, whether a surcharge on water bills or some other tax.
—Lisa W. Foderaro, New York Times, 8 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Denitrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denitrification. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
denitrification
noun
de·ni·tri·fi·ca·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən
: a process by which various nitrogen compounds are changed or broken down and which is usually brought about (as in soil) by bacteria with formation of free nitrogen
Medical Definition
denitrification
noun
de·ni·tri·fi·ca·tion
(ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən
: the loss or removal of nitrogen or nitrogen compounds
specifically
: reduction of nitrates or nitrites commonly by bacteria (as in soil) that usually results in the escape of nitrogen into the air
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
