nitrosamine

noun

ni·​tro·​sa·​mine nī-ˈtrō-sə-ˌmēn 

: any of various organic compounds which are characterized by the grouping NNO and some of which are powerful carcinogens

Examples of nitrosamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The nitrates and nitrites added to meat can be converted into potentially carcinogenic compounds called nitrosamines. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 May 2026

Some nicotine pouches contain trace amounts of tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) which are recognized carcinogens. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2026

Some of the most damaging items on that long list are carbon monoxide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosamines, formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia. —Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 12 Feb. 2026

Occasional and small exposures to nitrosamines are not thought to be dangerous. —C. Michael White, The Conversation, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitrosamine

• acetylene
• adamantine
• adenosine
• amphetamine
• anthropocene
• apoprotein
• aquamarine
• arsphenamine
• azobenzene
• buprenorphine
• catecholamine
• chlorobenzene

Medical Definition

nitrosamine

noun

ni·​tro·​sa·​mine nī-ˈtrō-sə-ˌmēn 

variants also nitrosoamine

-sō-ə-ˌmēn, -ˈam-ˌēn 

: any of various neutral compounds which are characterized by the group NNO and of which some are powerful carcinogens