Word Study
Nitrify
CIDE DICTIONARY
Nitrify, v. t. [Niter + -fy: cf. F. nitrifer. See Niter.].
To combine or impregnate with nitrogen; to convert, by oxidation, into nitrous or nitric acid; to subject to, or produce by, nitrification. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Nitrify, v.tr. (-ies, -ied)
1 impregnate with nitrogen.
2 convert (nitrogen, usu. in the form of ammonia) into nitrites or nitrates.
1 impregnate with nitrogen.
2 convert (nitrogen, usu. in the form of ammonia) into nitrites or nitrates.
Derivative
nitrifiable adj. nitrification n.
Etymology
F nitrifier (as NITRE)
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