from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
{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).
[1913 Webster]