Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

nitrate

noun
/ˈnaɪtreɪt/
Definition
A nitrate is a chemical compound that contains the nitrate ion, which consists of one nitrogen atom bonded to three oxygen atoms.
Examples
  • The farmer applied nitrate to enhance the crop yield.
  • Nitrate contamination in water sources is a concern for environmental health.
Meaning
Nitrates are commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture due to their high nitrogen content, essential for plant growth.
Synonyms
  • nitrogen compound
  • nitrate ion