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
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.
However, consuming products with sodium nitrite levels above regulatory limits may pose health risks. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The powder, sodium nitrite, can be used as a food preservative — or as a rocket propellant — according to the National Library of Medicine. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024 Authorities now believe websites operated by Law sold sodium nitrite—a food preservative that can be deadly if ingested—and related equipment that caused the deaths of adults and minors in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K, according to Canada’s Peel Regional Police. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024 Kenneth Law, who's charged with 14 charges of aiding suicide, is also being charged in Canada with 14 counts of second-degree murder for selling sodium nitrite online to people at risk of self harm. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 13 Dec. 2023 See All Example Sentences for sodium nitrite

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sodium nitrite was in 1869

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sodium nitrite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sodium%20nitrite. Accessed 14 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sodium nitrite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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