The Collaborative International Dictionary
Nitric \Ni"tric\, a. [Cf. F. nitrique. See Niter.] (Chem.) Of, pertaining to, or containing, nitrogen; specifically, designating any one of those compounds in which, as contrasted with nitrous compounds, the element has a higher valence; as, nitric oxide; nitric acid.
Nitric acid, a colorless or yellowish liquid obtained by distilling a nitrate with sulphuric acid. It is powerfully corrosive, being a strong acid, and in decomposition a strong oxidizer.
Nitric anhydride, a white crystalline oxide of nitrogen ( N2O5), called nitric pentoxide, and regarded as the anhydride of nitric acid.
Nitric oxide, a colorless poisous gas ( NO) obtained by treating nitric acid with copper. On contact with the air or with oxygen, it becomes reddish brown from the formation of nitrogen dioxide ( NO2, also called nitric dioxide or nitric peroxide).