nitrite

noun

1. Chemistry. a salt or ester of nitrous acid.
2. Nutrition. sodium nitrite.

noun

1. any salt or ester of nitrous acid

n.

1. The univalent radical NO2.
2. A compound containing such a radical, such as a salt or ester of nitrous acid.

1. A salt or ester of nitrous acid, containing the group NO2. Nitrites are an important component of the nitrogen cycle and are used as food preservatives. Compare nitrate.