nitrate

noun

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt How to pronounce nitrate (audio)
-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
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.
The suggested antidotes for bichloride of mercury included drinking an egg white; for nitrate of silver, sipping saltwater. Anika Burgess july 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025 On our country’s birthday, Jaws reminded America that true greatness isn’t measured in trophies; it’s measured in nitrates. Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 These are made by blending different cuts of pork, beef, and/or chicken with preservatives, salt, and flavorings; and they're preserved through curing, smoking or adding chemicals like nitrates and nitrites. Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 3 July 2025 While the most dramatic spikes in phosphorous, nitrate, organic carbon and sediment generally occurred in the first one to three years, some contaminants lingered for much longer. Ben Livneh, The Conversation, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for nitrate

Word History

Etymology

French, from nitrique

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrate was in 1788

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Cite this Entry

“Nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrate. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrate

noun
ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt How to pronounce nitrate (audio)
-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
: a salt or ester of nitric acid

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrate

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