n. The reaction of something with nitric acid; especially such a reaction, in the presence of sulphuric acid, to introduce a nitro functional group into a compound.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. The process or act of introducing into a compound by substitution the radical nitryl, NO2.
Word Usage
"Like my research on chemical reaction rates in solution at McGill (kinetics of nitration), it was experimental in nature."