Definition

To convert ammonia or its compounds into nitrates or nitrites, often through a biological process involving bacteria.

Example

Farmers often nitrify the soil to enhance its nutrient content for better crop growth.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you heard about how they nitrify the soil to improve plant growth?

Yeah, I read that it helps increase the nitrogen levels in the soil.

Exactly! It's fascinating how microbes can nitrify the nutrients so effectively.

For sure! It really makes a difference in how healthy the plants grow.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nitrify → It is formed from "nitro-" (from Latin "nitrum", meaning saltpeter or nitrate) and "-fy" (from Latin "facere", meaning to make or to do). The word "nitrify" means to make or convert into nitrate.

Memory Tip

Think of 'nitro-' as relating to nitrate, and '-fy' means to make something. So, nitrify means to make something into nitrate.

Visually Confused Words