Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nitrate \Ni"trate\, n. [Cf. F. nitrate.] (Chem.)
   A salt of nitric acid.

   {Nitrate of silver}, a white crystalline salt ({AgNO3}), used
      in photography and as a cauterizing agent; -- called also
      {lunar caustic}.

Source : WordNet®

nitrate
     n : any compound containing the nitrate group (such as a salt or
         ester of nitric acid)
     v : treat with nitric acid, so as to change an organic compound
         into a nitrate; "nitroglycerin is obtained by nitrating
         glycerol"