1. salts or esters of nitrous acid, often used as food preservatives or in medical treatments
Usage: chemistry; often plural

Examples

• Sodium nitrites are commonly used to preserve processed meats like bacon and ham.
• The doctor prescribed nitrites to help dilate the patient’s blood vessels.
• Many organic foods are produced without artificial nitrites or nitrates.
• The laboratory tested the water sample for harmful levels of nitrites.
• Some people are sensitive to nitrites and experience headaches after eating cured meats.
• The food label clearly listed sodium nitrite as a preservative ingredient.