sodium nitrite

noun

: a salt NaNO₂ used especially in dye manufacture and as a meat preservative

Examples of sodium nitrite in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Canadian police said Law, 60, used a series of websites to market and sell sodium nitrite, a substance commonly used to cure meats that can be deadly if ingested. —Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2026

In 2023, Canadian police released photos of the sodium nitrite, adding that a joint operation led by 11 police agencies from across Ontario were investigating the case. —CBS News, 27 May 2026

Six preservatives — sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, sorbates, potassium metabisulfite, acetates and acetic acid — were linked to up to a 32% higher risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer and cancer of all kinds. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 20 May 2026

Canadian police say Law, from the Toronto area, used a series of websites to market and sell sodium nitrite, a substance commonly used to cure meats that can be deadly if ingested. —ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sodium nitrite

noun

: a salt used especially in the manufacture of dyes and as a meat preservative

Medical Definition

sodium nitrite

noun

: a colorless or yellowish deliquescent salt NaNO₂ that is used as a meat preservative and in medicine as a vasodilator and an antidote for cyanide poisoning