Nitrate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Nitrate is a chemical compound containing nitrogen and oxygen, commonly found in fertilizers and food preservatives. It plays a key role in plant growth but can be harmful in excess.
Definition:
A salt or ester of nitric acid, often used in fertilizers and explosives.
Synonyms:
nitrite, nitrogen compound, saltpetre
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
denitrify, reduce
Common Collocations:
nitrate levels, nitrate contamination, ammonium nitrate
Derivatives:
nitration, nitrated, nitrates
Usage Tips:
Use "nitrate" as a noun for chemicals or a verb meaning to treat with nitric acid.
Common Phrases:
nitrate pollution, silver nitrate, potassium nitrate
Etymology:
Derived from French "nitrate," from Latin "nitrum," meaning native soda or saltpetre.
Examples:
- 1. Farmers use nitrate fertilizers to enrich soil.
- 2. The lab tested water for nitrate contamination.
- 3. Ammonium nitrate is common in explosives and fertilizers.
- 4. Excessive nitrates can harm aquatic ecosystems.