nitrous oxide

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, sweet-smelling, sweet-tasting, nonflammable, slightly water-soluble gas, N 2 O, that sometimes produces a feeling of exhilaration when inhaled: used chiefly as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery, in the manufacture of chemicals, and as an aerosol.

nitrous oxide

noun

1. Systematic name: dinitrogen oxide. Also called: laughing gas. a colourless nonflammable slightly soluble gas with a sweet smell: used as an anaesthetic in dentistry and surgery. Formula: N 2 O

nitrous oxide

1. A colorless, sweet-smelling gas. It is used as a mild anesthetic, often called laughing gas. Nitrous oxide occurs naturally in the atmosphere and is a greenhouse gas. Chemical formula: N ₂ O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrous oxide¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

In 2016 it was made illegal to supply or import nitrous oxide if it was likely to be consumed for its psychoactive effect, and in 2023 it was made a class C drug.

From BBC

A court case against England goalkeeper Khiara Keating has been dropped nearly a year after she pleaded not guilty to possessing canisters of nitrous oxide.

From BBC

In a worst-case scenario, inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to hypoxia, where the brain does not get enough oxygen.

From BBC

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and being in possession of nitrous oxide.

From Los Angeles Times

He was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and being in possession of nitrous oxide.

From Los Angeles Times