Search Dictionary
Definition of nitric

nitric

/ˈnaɪtrɪk/
ni · tric
JUMP TO:

nitric Lexical Profile

nitric Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or containing nitrogen, especially in chemical compounds where nitrogen has a higher oxidation state than in nitrous compounds.

Example

"The chemistry students wore protective goggles and gloves while measuring a dilute solution of nitric acid."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for nitric

Word Nuance & Usage

In chemical nomenclature, 'nitric' specifically designates nitrogen compounds with a higher oxidation state (such as nitric acid, HNO3), contrasting with 'nitrous', which denotes a lower oxidation state (such as nitrous acid, HNO2).

• Rhymes for nitric

• Nearby Words

nitpicking
nitpicky
nitrate
nitric
nitro
nitrogen
nitroglycerin

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from French nitrique, coined by French chemist Antoine Lavoisier from nitre ('potassium nitrate'), which ultimately derives via Latin nitrum and Ancient Greek nitron from an Ancient Egyptian root for native soda.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nitric. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nitric
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.