any of three isomeric benzene derivatives having the formula C 6 H 4 NO 2 , made by nitration of benzene or nitrobenzene, the most important of which is the meta form: used chiefly in the manufacture of dyes.
a colorless, yellowish, or brownish fuming corrosive liquid, usually prepared from nitric acid by the addition of excess nitrogen dioxide: used in organic synthesis for nitration, and as an oxidizer in liquid propellants for rockets.
