nitric acid
C1Technical / Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A strongly corrosive and toxic mineral acid with the chemical formula HNO₃, often used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and other chemicals.
Any solution of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in water, or more broadly, a highly reactive oxidizing agent. In figurative use, it can describe something corrosive, caustic, or intensely critical.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is highly specific to chemistry and related industrial contexts. It is not used figuratively in everyday conversation without clear contextual cues.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or conceptual differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. No regional cultural associations.
Frequency
Equally low in general discourse, but standard in chemistry/industry contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[substance] + is treated/dissolved/etched + with nitric acidnitric acid + reacts with/attacks/corrodes + [metal/material]the + production/manufacture + of nitric acidVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this technical term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in contexts of chemical supply, industrial manufacturing, or safety regulations.
Academic
Core term in chemistry textbooks and papers, especially concerning redox reactions, nitration, or industrial processes.
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in news reports about industrial accidents, educational TV, or advanced DIY/hobbyist contexts.
Technical
The primary register. Used precisely in laboratory manuals, safety data sheets (SDS), and engineering specifications.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The copper was nitrated using a standard procedure.
American English
- We need to nitrate the sample for analysis.
adjective
British English
- The nitric effluent must be neutralised before disposal.
American English
- A nitric solution was prepared for the etching process.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Nitric acid is a dangerous chemical used in factories.
- The label on the bottle says 'nitric acid'.
- Concentrated nitric acid reacts violently with many organic compounds.
- The industrial production of fertilisers often involves nitric acid.
- The nitration of aromatic compounds typically requires a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids.
- Upon exposure to air, the fuming nitric acid released dense, reddish-brown vapours of nitrogen dioxide.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'NIGHT-trick ASS-id': It's an ACID that plays a tricky (and corrosive) role with nitrogen (NITR-).
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/AGGRESSION IS A CORROSIVE CHEMICAL (e.g., 'His review was like nitric acid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation of components ('азотная кислота' is correct).
- Do not confuse with 'nitrous acid' (HNO₂), which is 'азотистая кислота'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'nitiric' or 'nitric acide'.
- Incorrectly using 'nitric' as a standalone noun (e.g., 'Add some nitric' instead of 'Add some nitric acid').
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary industrial use of nitric acid?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Vinegar is a weak acetic acid. Nitric acid is a much stronger, corrosive mineral acid used in industry.
Not by itself. Gold is dissolved by 'aqua regia', a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid.
The name derives from 'nitre', an old name for potassium nitrate, from which it was historically produced.
In a cool, ventilated place, in a corrosion-resistant container, away from organic materials and bases, following strict safety protocols.