denitrification

noun

de·​ni·​tri·​fi·​ca·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce denitrification (audio)
: 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
denitrify transitive verb

Examples of denitrification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'denitrification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of denitrification was in 1883

Dictionary Entries Near denitrification

Cite this Entry

“Denitrification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denitrification. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

denitrification

noun
de·​ni·​tri·​fi·​ca·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌnī-trə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce denitrification (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce denitrification (audio)
: 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
denitrify transitive verb
denitrified; denitrifying

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