nitride
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈnaɪtraɪd/
KK: /ˈnaɪtraɪd/
noun
Definition
A chemical compound that includes nitrogen and another element that is more positive in charge, like a metal or phosphorus.
Example
Silicon nitride is often used in high-performance ceramics.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of nitride compounds in chemistry?
Yeah, I think they have some interesting properties, right?
Exactly! I read that they can be quite useful in electronics.
That makes sense, especially for materials that need to handle heat.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
compound
binary
salt
Antonyms
verb
Definition
To treat a material, especially steel, so that nitrogen is absorbed into its surface to make it harder.
Example
The engineers decided to nitride the steel components to improve their durability.
Tense Forms
Past: nitrided
Past Participle: nitrided
Conversation
Did you know that you can nitride steel to make it tougher?
Really? I had no idea that was possible!
Yeah, it basically helps with durability.
Root Explanation
Nitride is formed from "nitro-" (from Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter or sodium nitrate) and "-ide" (a suffix used in chemistry to denote a binary compound). The word "nitride" refers to a compound consisting of nitrogen and another element, typically a metal.
Memory Tip
Think of 'nitro-' as relating to nitrogen and '-ide' indicating a compound. This helps you remember that a nitride is a compound that includes nitrogen.
Visually Confused Words
nitid
trinitride
mitridae