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]