nitrogen oxide

noun

: any of several oxides of nitrogen most of which are produced in combustion and are considered to be atmospheric pollutants: such as
a
: nitric oxide
b
: nitrogen dioxide
c
: nitrous oxide

Examples of nitrogen oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pollutants released by fossil fuel equipment, such as nitrogen oxides and ozone, disproportionately impact low-income, Black and brown communities in the Baltimore area, exacerbating respiratory illnesses such as asthma and leading to costly trips to the doctor’s office and emergency room. — Brian Jenkins, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 2025 The engines of those trucks emit about 70% of smog-forming nitrogen oxides and 80% of carcinogenic diesel soot, according to the air board. — Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 In other news, the Biden administration has proposed tightening restrictions on nitrogen oxide pollution from gas plants for the first time in almost two decades. — Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024 These gases contain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and unburned fuel, that are harmful to human health, as well as carbon dioxide, which warms Earth’s atmosphere. — Michael Leamy, The Conversation, 28 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for nitrogen oxide

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen oxide was in 1868

Rhymes for nitrogen oxide

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Browse Nearby Words

nitrogenous
nitrogen oxide
nitrogen pentoxide
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Cite this Entry

“Nitrogen oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20oxide. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

nitrogen oxide

noun
: any of various oxides of nitrogen: as
a
: nitrogen dioxide
b
: nitrous oxide

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen oxide

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitrogen oxide

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