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nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən
: a nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 7 that under standard conditions is a colorless, odorless, inert gas, that constitutes 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, and that is used especially in the industrial synthesis of ammonia, as a component of inert atmospheres, and in liquid form as a refrigerant
—often used before another noun
the nitrogen cycle
nitrogen fertilizer
see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of nitrogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The method involves placing a respirator gas mask over the person's face to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen.
—CBS News, 21 Nov. 2024
This number represents the percentage of nitrogen in the bag.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 Nov. 2024
Young camellias require higher concentrations of nitrogen than established plants to support growth, select fertilizers accordingly.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024
The woman is said to have pressed the button to fill the pod with nitrogen at 3.54 p.m., reported U.K newspaper The Times.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
French nitrogène, from nitre niter + -gène -gen
First Known Use
1791, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing nitrogen
Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən
: a colorless tasteless odorless element that occurs as a gas which makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere and that forms a part of all living tissues see element
Medical Definition
nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən
: a common nonmetallic element that in the free form is normally a colorless odorless tasteless insoluble inert diatomic gas comprising 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume and that in the combined form is a constituent of biologically important compounds (as proteins, nucleic acids, and alkaloids) and hence of all living cells as well as of industrially important substances (as cyanides, fertilizers, dyes, and antibiotics)
—symbol N
see Chemical Elements Table
More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen
Nglish: Translation of nitrogen for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of nitrogen for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitrogen
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