What does nitric mean?
Nitric is an adjective used chiefly in chemistry to describe substances associated with nitric acid or with nitrogen in a particular oxidation state. The best-known compound is nitric acid, a highly corrosive and strongly oxidizing inorganic acid used in the manufacture of fertilizers, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial materials. The term also appears in names such as nitric oxide, a gaseous compound involved in atmospheric chemistry and human physiology. In these expressions, nitric identifies the chemical identity or oxidation state of nitrogen, so the word has a specialized rather than everyday meaning. Its association with powerful oxidizing chemicals gives it a formal, technical, and sometimes hazardous connotation. Although nitric acid was historically called aqua fortis, modern scientific and industrial writing generally uses nitric as the standard distinguishing element in compound names.
adjectiveRelating to or containing nitric acid, a strong inorganic acid used in industrial and laboratory processes. In chemical names, it describes compounds containing nitrogen in a particular oxidation state, especially nitric oxide, nitric acid, and related substances.
- Relating to or containing nitric acid.
- Describing a nitrogen-containing chemical compound, especially nitric oxide or a related compound.
"The factory uses nitric acid to manufacture fertilizers."
"Nitric oxide is released into the air when high temperatures cause nitrogen and oxygen to react."
"The laboratory technician handled nitric acid with protective gloves and goggles."
The word nitric points to one of chemistry’s most familiar acids, nitric acid, a powerful oxidizing agent used to make fertilizers, dyes, explosives, and other industrial products.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nitric come from?
The adjective nitric comes through French nitrique from Latin nitricus, a term associated with nitrum, “niter,” a naturally occurring nitrate. The ultimate source is Greek nitron, used for native sodium nitrate and associated with a root meaning “niter” or “saltpetre.” The same chemical family gave English words such as nitrate, nitrite, and nitrogen, although their modern meanings developed through distinct chemical histories.
How nitric is actually used
Chiefly used in technical and chemical contexts. It is normally part of a compound name such as nitric acid or nitric oxide rather than used alone in everyday speech.
Easily confused with nitric
Nitric compounds contain nitrogen in a higher oxidation state than nitrous compounds, which contain nitrogen in a lower oxidation state.