nitric acid
noun Chemistry.
a colorless or yellowish, fuming, suffocating, caustic, corrosive, water-soluble liquid, HNO3, having powerful oxidizing properties, usually obtained from ammonia or from Chile saltpeter: used chiefly in the manufacture of explosives and fertilizers and in organic synthesis.
Also called
aqua fortis.
Origin of nitric acid
First recorded in 1785–95
Words nearby nitric acid
nitrate film,
nitratine,
nitrazepam,
nitre,
nitric,
nitric acid,
nitric bacteria,
nitric oxide,
nitridation,
nitride,
nitriding
British Dictionary definitions for nitric acid
nitric acid
noun
a colourless or yellowish fuming corrosive liquid usually used in aqueous solution. It is an oxidizing agent and a strong monobasic acid: important in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, and many other chemicals. Formula: HNO 3
Former name: aqua fortis
Medical definitions for nitric acid
nitric acid
[ nī′trĭk ]
n.
A transparent, colorless to yellowish, fuming corrosive liquid that is a highly reactive oxidizing agent.
Scientific definitions for nitric acid
nitric acid
A clear, colorless to yellow liquid that is very corrosive and can dissolve most metals. It is used to make fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and rocket fuels. Chemical formula: HNO3.