Denitrify

/diːˈnaɪtrɪfaɪ/ verb

Definition

To remove nitrogen or nitrogen compounds from something, often through bacterial action.

Etymology

From de- (remove) + nitrify. Nitrify itself comes from French nitrique, from Latin nitro, referring to nitrogen. The -fy ending means 'to make or cause to become.'

Kelly Says

Denitrification is the opposite of nitrification—bacteria constantly flip nitrogen between different forms, and this hidden chemical dance controls whether farms are productive or polluted.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.