found:Merriam-Webster online, Jan. 27, 2013(nitric acid: a corrosive liquid inorganic acid HNO₃ used especially as an oxidizing agent, in nitrations, and in making organic compounds (as fertilizers, explosives, and dyes))
found:Wikipedia, Jan. 27, 2013(Nitric acid (HNO₃), also known as aqua fortis and spirit of niter, is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid. The pure compound is colorless, but older samples tend to acquire a yellow cast due to the accumulation of oxides of nitrogen. Most commercially available nitric acid has a concentration of 68%. When the solution contains more than 86% HNO₃, it is referred to as fuming nitric acid. Depending on the amount of nitrogen dioxide present, fuming nitric acid is further characterized as white fuming nitric acid or red fuming nitric acid, at concentrations above 95%. Nitric acid is also commonly used as a strong oxidizing agent.)
found:NitricAcid.info, Jan. 27, 2013(Nitric Acid (HNO₃); has been known by other common names such as "aqua fortis" and "spirit of niter"; in its common form nitric acid has a concentration of around 68%, when in a solution containing more than 86%; it is referred to as fuming nitric acid. Depending on the amount of nitrogen dioxide present, fuming nitric acid is further characterized as white fuming or red fuming, at concentrations above 95%.)
found:Britannica online, Jan. 27, 2013(nitric acid, (HNO₃), colourless, fuming, and highly corrosive liquid; decomposes into water, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen, forming a brownish yellow solution)