Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

nitrify

transitive verb
ni·​tri·​fy | \ ˈnī-trə-ˌfī How to pronounce nitrify (audio) \
-ed/-ing/-es

Definition of nitrify

1 : to combine or impregnate with nitrogen or a nitrogen compound
2 : to convert by oxidation into nitric acid or nitrous acid or their salts : subject to or produce by nitrification — compare nitrosify

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for nitrify

French nitrifier, from nitre niter + -ifier -ify

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about nitrify

Statistics for nitrify

Look-up Popularity

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrify

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with nitrify

Comments on nitrify

What made you want to look up nitrify? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

nosegay

Listen to the pronounciation of nosegay

a small bunch of flowers

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Farm Idioms Quiz

  • cow coming home
  • What does 'poke' refer to in the expression 'pig in a poke'?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games