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 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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nitrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrate. Accessed 9 Oct. 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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