a compound (the sodium salt of nitrous acid) with the chemical formula NaNO2 that is used as a preservative and colouring agent, esp in meat and fish products
Sodium nitrite is added to avoid the presence of a very dangerous bacterial toxinin certain foods.
sodium nitrite in American English
a yellowish or white powder, NaNO2, used to make dyes, preserve meats, counteract cyanide poisoning, etc.