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
Roy Hemming Examples of nitrate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The predominant narrative among many springs scientists, advocates and government officials is that rising nitrate levels in springs over the past few decades fuels the growth of excess algae.
—Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Instead, opt for deli meats that contain natural nitrates and nitrites and natural additives (such as plant extracts or organic acids like lactate) that can help fight the growth of harmful bacteria.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Beets Beets contain high amounts of nitrate, which, when ingested, can have beneficial effects on blood pressure.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
According to the study, communities including Chippewa Falls, Plover, Janesville and Trempealeau have spent more than $45 million on nitrate mitigation.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrate
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Christopher F. Meindl, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025
Instead, opt for deli meats that contain natural nitrates and nitrites and natural additives (such as plant extracts or organic acids like lactate) that can help fight the growth of harmful bacteria.
—Laura Schober, Health, 2 Oct. 2025
Beets Beets contain high amounts of nitrate, which, when ingested, can have beneficial effects on blood pressure.
—Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Sep. 2025
According to the study, communities including Chippewa Falls, Plover, Janesville and Trempealeau have spent more than $45 million on nitrate mitigation.
—Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrate
Cite this Entry
“Nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrate. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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