Definition

A chemical compound that contains the nitrate ion, which is made up of one nitrogen atom and three oxygen atoms. Nitrates are often found in fertilizers and can also occur in some foods and water.

Example

Farmers often use nitrate fertilizers to help their crops grow better.

Conversation

Have you ever heard about using nitrate in gardening?

Yeah, I've read that it's really beneficial for plants.

I think it helps with growth, especially for vegetables.

Absolutely! A good nitrate fertilizer can make a huge difference.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To treat a substance with nitric acid or a nitrate, often to convert it into a nitrate compound.

Example

The chemist decided to nitrate the organic material to enhance its properties.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever tried to nitrate your garden soil?

No, I haven't. What does that even mean?

It helps improve the nutrient content for plants by treating the soil with nitrates.

Root Explanation

Nitrate → It is formed from "nitro-" (from Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter or sodium nitrate) and "-ate" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a salt or ester of an acid). The word "nitrate" refers to a compound containing nitrogen in a specific oxidation state, typically found in fertilizers.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nitro-' as relating to nitrogen and '-ate' indicating a chemical compound, which helps you remember that a nitrate is a nitrogen-containing compound.

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