nitrifying
|ni-tri-fy-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈnaɪ.trəˌfaɪ.ɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈnaɪ.trɪˌfaɪ.ɪŋ/
(nitrify)
converting into nitrate
Etymology
'nitrify' originates from French, specifically the word 'nitrifier,' where 'nitre' meant 'niter' (a mineral form of potassium nitrate) and '-fier' meant 'to make.'
'nitrifier' was adopted into English as 'nitrify' in the late 18th century, and 'nitrifying' became the present participle form.
Initially, it meant 'to turn into niter or nitrate,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to convert into a nitrate, especially by bacterial action.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'nitrify'; to convert or be converted into a nitrate, especially by the action of bacteria.
Certain bacteria are responsible for nitrifying ammonia in the soil.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/07 13:21