laughing gas

American  

noun

1. nitrous oxide.

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laughing gas British  

noun

1. another name for nitrous oxide

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laughing gas Scientific  

/ lăf′ĭng /

1. Nitrous oxide used as a mild anesthetic.

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Etymology

Origin of laughing gas

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The centers are also adding nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, for intrauterine device insertions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Eutrophication and acidification are some of the environmental problems that can be traced to the use of ammonia -- as well as emissions of laughing gas, which is a very potent greenhouse gas.

From Science Daily • Feb. 5, 2024

It’s a little like “Mad Max” on laughing gas.

From New York Times • Jul. 20, 2023

He will say the new measures, including "hotspot" policing and a ban on nitrous oxide or laughing gas, underscores his zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour which will see offenders receiving swift and visible punishments.

From Reuters • Mar. 26, 2023

The aroma was like laughing gas in the dentist’s chair—it made everything else go away.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan