Relating to or containing nitrogen in its highest oxidation state. Most commonly refers to nitric acid, a powerful corrosive acid used in fertilizers and explosives.
From French 'nitrique', derived from 'nitre' (saltpeter) plus the suffix '-ic'. The term emerged in late 18th-century chemistry as scientists distinguished different nitrogen compounds by their oxidation states.
Nitric acid is so reactive it can dissolve most metals, earning it the alchemical name 'aqua fortis' or 'strong water'. Paradoxically, it makes gold more pure by dissolving away other metals, which is why it's used in gold refining.
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