nitrification

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: ni=tri=fi=ca=tion

CIDE DICTIONARY

nitrification, n. [Cf. F. nitrification. see Nitrify.].

•  The act, process, or result of combining with nitrogen or some of its compounds.  [1913 Webster]
•  A process of oxidation, in which nitrogenous vegetable and animal matter in the presence of air, moisture, and some basic substances, as lime or alkali carbonate, is converted into nitrates.  [1913 Webster]

  " The process is going on at all times in porous soils and in water contaminated with nitrogenous matter, and is supposed to be due to the presence of a bacteria, such as members of the genus Azotobacter, formerly called nitrification ferments. In former times the process was extensively made use of in the production of saltpeter."  [1913 Webster]