nitrous oxide

American  

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

• nitrous oxides
  plural

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.

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nitrous oxide British  

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

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nitrous oxide Scientific  

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• nitrous oxides
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of nitrous oxide

First recorded in 1790–1800

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nitrous oxide

The City Council unanimously approved a measure to prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide by cannabis and tobacco retailers.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026

Emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide and dangerous particulate matter increased by 196%, 111%, and 139% respectively.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

Even so, the researchers found that relatively little nitrous oxide may have been needed.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 2, 2026

High levels of nitrous oxide in maternity units has affected other hospital trusts across England.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

Some of it turns into nitrous oxide, a gas that increases global warming.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

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