1. a salt or ester of nitrous acid, containing the NO₂⁻ ion
Usage: chemistry
2. a chemical compound used as a food preservative, especially in cured meats

Examples

• Sodium nitrite is commonly used to preserve bacon and ham.
• The laboratory tested the water sample for nitrite levels.
• Nitrites can form from the breakdown of nitrates in soil.
• Some people are concerned about nitrites in processed foods.
• The chemist prepared a solution containing potassium nitrite.
• High nitrite concentrations in drinking water can be harmful.