What does nitrate mean?
A nitrate is a chemical compound containing the nitrate ion, written NO₃⁻. Nitrates include compounds such as potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate, and they occur naturally in soil, water, and some foods. Farmers use nitrate-containing fertilizers because plants need nitrogen to make proteins and other essential compounds, but excessive application can allow nitrates to leach into groundwater or run off into rivers. The term also appears in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. As a verb, 'to nitrate' means to treat a substance with nitrate compounds or to cause a nitrate to form. The word is related etymologically to 'nitric,' 'nitrite,' 'nitrify,' and 'nitrogen,' all sharing the Latin root associated with natron, a naturally occurring salt used in ancient times.
A chemical compound or ion containing nitrogen and oxygen in the nitrate form, especially a compound used in fertilizers, food preservation, or explosives.
"The soil test detected dangerously high nitrate levels."
In general scientific use, the term can refer either to a nitrate ion or to a compound containing nitrate ions.
To treat a substance with a nitrate compound or to cause it to form a nitrate.
"The workshop nitrates the steel before finishing it."
This is mainly a technical or industrial verb and is less common in everyday speech.
The plural is used for different nitrate compounds, nitrate ions, or quantities of nitrate.
"The tests found nitrates in the well water."
Nitrate helps plants grow, but too much of it can wash from soil into drinking water and create serious health and environmental problems.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nitrate come from?
The word derives from Latin nitratus, meaning 'nitrated' or 'containing nitrate.' Its root is related to nitr-, meaning niter or natron, a naturally occurring salt carbonate historically used in glassmaking, soapmaking, and food preservation. The chemical terminology developed through the names nitric acid, nitrate, and nitrite, all ultimately connected with this older word for salt.
Related word forms
How nitrate is actually used
In chemistry, 'nitrate' most commonly refers to the polyatomic ion NO₃⁻ or to a salt of nitric acid. The verb sense is chiefly used in technical and industrial contexts.
Easily confused with nitrate
Nitrate contains the nitrate ion (NO₃⁻), whereas nitrite contains the nitrite ion (NO₂⁻).