nitrous

[ nahy-truh s ]

/ ˈnaɪ trəs /

adjective Chemistry.

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

containing nitrogen, usually in the trivalent state.

Nearby words

Origin of nitrous

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

Related formsnon·ni·trous, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for nitrous

Campbell is quoted saying “Nitrous oxide can explode on its own.”
Branson’s Galactic Obstacles: Tom Bower Puts a Damper on Virgin’s Space Flight Dreams|Clive Irving|January 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The original seems dated now, but it all started here, from the unstoppable Diesel/Walker combo right down to the nitrous boosts.
Best Paul Walker Performances: Ranking the ‘Fast and Furious’ Franchise|Jimmy So|December 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
One distributor the office is tracking is reportedly raking in more than $60,000 on the bulk sale of nitrous.
Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Whip-Its|Winston Ross|March 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As a drug, nitrous is among many forms of inhalants, including solvents and gasoline, that people use to alter the mind.
Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Whip-Its|Winston Ross|March 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, gives one an exhilarating feeling while operating as an anesthetic.
Gina Gershon’s Trip to Heaven in the Dentist’s Chair|Gina Gershon|October 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Moreover, the Nitrous Sal Ammoniac would be in danger of taking fire and exploding, for a reason frequently mentioned above.
Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.|Pierre Joseph Macquer
Also, the same weight of iron does not yield half the quantity of nitrous air that it does of inflammable.
Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air|Joseph Priestley
The same thing also appeared when I applied the test of nitrous air.
Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air|Joseph Priestley
This operation may be performed by a sand-heat; which is a speedy and commodious way of obtaining the Nitrous Acid.
Elements of the Theory and Practice of Chymistry, 5th ed.|Pierre Joseph Macquer
Syrup of violets added to the nitrous water became of a pale red, but on standing about an hour, grew of a turbid brown cast.
Experiments and Observations on Different Kinds of Air|Joseph Priestley

British Dictionary definitions for nitrous

nitrous

/ (ˈnaɪtrəs) /

adjective

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

Word Origin for nitrous

C17: from Latin nitrōsus full of natron see nitre

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for nitrous

nitrous

adj.

c.1600, from Latin nitrosus, from nitrum (see nitre). Originally "of nitre, pertaining to nitre;" more precise use in chemistry (designating a compound in which the nitrogen has a lower valence than the corresponding nitric compound) is from 1780s. Nitrous oxide attested from 1800.

Medicine definitions for nitrous

nitrous

[ nī′trəs ]

adj.

Of, derived from, or containing nitrogen, especially in a valence state lower than that in a comparable nitric compound.

Science definitions for nitrous

nitrous

[ nī′trəs ]

Containing nitrogen, especially nitrogen with a valence of 3. Compare nitric.