nitrate

noun

ni·​trate ˈnī-ˌtrāt 

-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

The Register has also covered water use restrictions around the Des Moines this summer, the result of high nitrate pollution in central Iowa's waterways. — Rachel E. Stassen-Berger, Des Moines Register, 10 Sep. 2026

To raise pH for pink flowers use fertilizer that contains nitrate nitrogen or dolomite lime. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 9 Sep. 2026

Key Takeaways Key Takeaways Collard greens are rich in fiber, potassium, and natural nitrates, which support heart health. — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026

Beet juice naturally contains plant compounds called nitrates, which may help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from nitrique

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nitrate

• ammonium nitrate
• amyl nitrate
• cellulose nitrate
• nitrate of soda
• peroxyacetyl nitrate
• potassium nitrate
• silver nitrate
• sodium nitrate

Rhymes for nitrate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids 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