Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

nitrifying bacteria

noun [pl]
 
 /ˈnɑɪ·trəˌfɑɪ·ɪŋ bækˈtɪər·i·ə/

Definition

bacteria in the dirt on the surface of the earth that change the nitrogen (= gas) in dead plants into a form that growing plants can use for food
(Definition of nitrifying bacteria noun from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Focus on the pronunciation of nitrifying bacteria

Word of the Day

jettison

to get rid of something or someone that is not wanted or needed

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More