What does nitrite mean?
A nitrite is a chemical compound or ion containing the nitrite group, NO₂⁻, and is closely related to nitrate, NO₃⁻, and nitrous acid. The word appears in several technical fields, including chemistry, environmental science, biology, and food science. In food, nitrite most often refers to sodium nitrite, a preservative and color-stabilizing additive used in cured meats such as bacon and salami. Its presence can be beneficial because it helps inhibit bacterial growth and maintain the characteristic color of cured products, although it is also regulated because nitrite can participate in reactions that form nitrosamines. Outside food contexts, nitrite may indicate an intermediate in chemical reactions or a pollutant in water. The pronunciation is typically “NY-trite,” with the first syllable stressed.
nounA chemical compound or ion containing the nitrite group, NO₂⁻. In food contexts, the term often refers to sodium nitrite, a preservative and color-stabilizing additive used in cured meats.
- A salt or ion containing the nitrite group, NO₂⁻.
- Sodium nitrite or a related nitrite compound used as a food preservative and color fixative.
"The laboratory measured the nitrite level in the meat before approving it for sale."
"Nitrite reacts with amines in cured meat to help prevent the formation of harmful nitrosamines."
"Environmental scientists found elevated nitrite levels in the water downstream from the wastewater outlet."
The plural is used when referring to multiple nitrite compounds, ions, or samples.
"The researchers compared the nitrites found in several samples of preserved meat."
Nitrite helps preserve the color and freshness of cured meats, but its role in food safety makes it closely monitored.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nitrite come from?
The word “nitrite” was formed in the early nineteenth century from the chemical root nitr-, associated with nitric acid and ultimately Latin nitrum, meaning “native salt.” The suffix -ite is used in mineral and chemical nomenclature for compounds or salts containing characteristic elements or ions. The related terms “nitrate,” “nitrous,” and “nitric” belong to the same chemical naming tradition.
Related word forms
How nitrite is actually used
In technical writing, nitrite usually refers to a chemical ion or compound. In food and health discussions, it commonly refers to sodium nitrite or to nitrite levels in food, where it is associated with meat curing and food safety.
Easily confused with nitrite
A nitrate contains the nitrate ion, NO₃⁻, whereas a nitrite contains the nitrite ion, NO₂⁻.