nitric

adjective Chemistry.

1. containing nitrogen, usually in the pentavalent state.
2. of or relating to niter.

adjective

1. of or containing nitrogen, esp in the pentavalent state

adj.1794, originally in reference to acid obtained initially from distillation of saltpeter; see nitre + -ic. Perhaps immediately from French nitrique. Known as aqua fortis, later acid spirit of nitre, then nitric acid. (1787) under the system ordered by Lavoisier.

1. Containing nitrogen, especially nitrogen with a valence of 5. Compare nitrous.