nitrous

American  

[nahy-truhs] / ˈnaɪ trəs /

adjective

Chemistry.

1. pertaining to compounds obtained from niter, usually containing less oxygen than the corresponding nitric compounds.

2. containing nitrogen, usually in the trivalent state.

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nitrous British  

/ ˈnaɪtrəs /

adjective

1. of, derived from, or containing nitrogen, esp in a low valency state

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nitrous Scientific  

/ nī′trəs /

1. Containing nitrogen, especially nitrogen with a valence of 3.

2. Compare nitric

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonnitrous
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nitrous

First recorded in 1595–1605, nitrous is from the Latin word nitrōsus full of natron. See nitroso-

Example Sentences

Banned items include weapons, fireworks, flares, gas canisters, laser pens, camping chairs, umbrellas, flagpoles, air horns, megaphones, nitrous oxide, and excessive food and cigarettes security would think was more than "personal use".

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

The BBC understands that the trust has since installed equipment that removes nitrous oxide from the air.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

However the increase in concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases -- carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide -- "to their highest level in at least 800,000 years" has "upset this equilibrium", the WMO said.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

But excessive tonnages of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride are changing Earth’s climate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

Chlorine is green and is deadly; nitrous oxide is colorless and makes people giggle.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife