1. to convert (nitrogen or a nitrogen compound) into nitrates or nitrites, especially through the action of nitrifying bacteria
Usage: chemistry; biology; third person singular present tense of 'nitrify'

Examples

• Nitrifying bacteria in the soil nitrifies ammonia into nitrates that plants can absorb.
• The wastewater treatment process nitrifies organic nitrogen compounds.
• In the nitrogen cycle, certain microorganisms nitrify ammonia to support plant growth.
• The filter nitrifies the aquarium water by converting toxic ammonia into less harmful nitrates.
• Agricultural soils nitrify nitrogen fertilizers over time through microbial activity.