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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.

nitrate

/ˈnaɪtreɪt/ /ˈnaɪtreɪt/

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.

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