nitrogen balance

American  

noun

Biochemistry, Physiology.

1. the difference between the amount of nitrogen taken in and the amount excreted or lost: used to evaluate nutritional balance.

---

Etymology

Origin of nitrogen balance

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Here’s an interesting aside: Periods of growth in children, hypothyroidism, tissue repair, and pregnancy are also associated with a positive nitrogen balance.

From Scientific American

Consequently, crop yield was increased, even at low levels of nitrogen; an optimal carbon–nitrogen balance was attained; and the plants maintained their beneficial stature.

From Nature