nonnitrogenous

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /nɒnˈnaɪtrədʒənəs/

KK: /nɑːnˈnaɪtrədʒənəs/

adjective

Definition

Referring to substances that do not contain nitrogen or are not derived from nitrogen compounds.

Example

Many fertilizers are nitrogenous, but some plants thrive on nonnitrogenous nutrients.

Conversation

I read that some plants can thrive in nonnitrogenous soils.

Really? I didn't know that was possible.

Yeah, it’s interesting how they adapt to different environments.

Nature is amazing! I love learning about these unique plants.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

carbonaceous

organic

nonprotein

Antonyms

nitrogenous

inorganic

synthetic

Root Explanation

Nonnitrogenous → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "nitrogenous" (from "nitrogen" which comes from Greek "nitron" meaning soda and "genes" meaning born of or produced by). The word "nonnitrogenous" refers to substances that do not contain nitrogen.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning not, and 'nitrogenous' relating to nitrogen — so nonnitrogenous means something that does not contain nitrogen.

Visually Confused Words