1. to combine or impregnate with nitrogen or a nitrogen compound
Usage: chemistry; biology
2. to convert ammonia or organic nitrogen compounds into nitrites and nitrates through bacterial action
Usage: biology; soil science

Examples

• Bacteria in the soil nitrify organic matter to make nutrients available to plants.
• The treatment plant uses special bacteria to nitrify the wastewater.
• Farmers add fertilizers that nitrify the soil and improve crop yields.
• The laboratory will nitrify the sample to test its nitrogen content.
• Certain microorganisms can nitrify ammonia into more stable compounds.
• The composting process helps nitrify organic waste naturally.