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Nitrates Meaning in English

word · lemma: nitrate

ˈnaɪˌtɹeɪts
NYE-trayts
nˈaɪtɹeɪts
nye-TRAYTS

Definition

Nitrates are chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, commonly used as fertilizers in agriculture and sometimes found in food or drinking water.

Usage & Nuances

'Nitrates' is most often used in scientific, environmental, or health contexts. Collocates include 'high nitrate levels', 'nitrate pollution', and 'nitrate fertilizers'. Not to be confused with 'nitrites', which is a related but distinct chemical.

Example Sentences

Nitrates are often added to fertilizers to help plants grow faster.

basic

Drinking water can sometimes contain high levels of nitrates.

basic

Eating too many nitrates can be harmful to your health.

basic

Farmers need to carefully manage nitrates to avoid polluting rivers and lakes.

natural

Processed meats like ham and bacon often contain nitrates as preservatives.

natural

The government is testing wells for nitrates after reports of contamination.

natural