Nitrate

Definitions

Any salt or ester of nitric acid.

Equivalents

Examples

“Nitrates are most commonly used in fertilizers, especially sodium and potassium nitrates. Numerous water wells have⟳ had to be abandoned because of the lack of a way to deal⟳ with the problem.”

“The underground water which feeds Britain's springs and rivers and provides a third of its drinking water is becoming seriously polluted with nitrates, causing a threat to wildlife and landing consumers with a big purification bill.”

“The pinkness of bacon – or cooked ham, or salami – is a sign⟳ that it has been treated with chemicals, more specifically with nitrates and nitrites.”

CEFR level