First Known Use: 1788
Dictionary
nitric acid
noun ni·tric acid \ˈnī-trik-\
: a strong acid that contains nitrogen and that is used in making fertilizers, explosives, etc.
Full Definition of NITRIC ACID
: a corrosive liquid inorganic acid HNO3 used especially as an oxidizing agent, in nitrations, and in making organic compounds (as fertilizers, explosives, and dyes)
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Origin of NITRIC ACID
French nitrique, from nitre niter, from Middle French
NITRIC ACID Defined for Kids
nitric acid
noun ni·tric acid \ˈnī-trik-\
Definition of NITRIC ACID for Kids
: a strong liquid acid that contains hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen and is used in making fertilizers, explosives, and dyes
Medical Dictionary
nitric acid
noun
Medical Definition of NITRIC ACID
: a corrosive liquid inorganic acid HNO3 used especially as an oxidizing agent, in nitrations, and in making organic compounds
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