calcium nitrate
Definition
- Noun:
- A chemical compound: A deliquescent, water-soluble inorganic salt with the formula Ca(NO₃)₂. It is a colorless, hygroscopic solid that absorbs moisture from the air.
- A source of nitrogen: A substance sometimes used in fertilizers to provide nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The laboratory ordered a new shipment of calcium nitrate for the experiment.
- Calcium nitrate is valued in agriculture for its highly soluble nitrogen and calcium content.
Advanced Usage
- In specialized contexts: The term is primarily used in scientific, agricultural, and industrial contexts.
- The formulation uses calcium nitrate as a non-chloride source of calcium for sensitive crops.
Variants and Related Words
- Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN): A related fertilizer compound that is a mixture of calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate.
- Nitrocalcite: The mineral form of calcium nitrate.
Synonyms
- Nitrate of lime (an older, common name in agriculture and horticulture).
- Norwegian saltpeter.
Notes on Meaning
- The core meaning refers specifically to the chemical compound Ca(NO₃)₂. Its primary associations are with its properties (deliquescent, soluble) and its two main uses: as a laboratory chemical and as a fertilizer component. It is not used in everyday conversation.
Noun
-
a deliquescent salt that is soluble in water; sometimes used as a source of nitrogen in fertilizers
