nitrous oxide

noun

: a colorless gas N2O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter, that is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry and as a fuel, and that is an atmospheric pollutant and greenhouse gas produced by combustion

called also laughing gas

compare nitric oxide

Examples of nitrous 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.
The former results in waterway pollution and toxic events such as algae blooms, whereas the latter produces greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025 Beet juice’s effect on nitrous oxide and oxygen delivery to muscles reduces fatigue caused by physical exertion (exercise).32 Some research suggests supplementing with beet juice decreases the rate of oxygen the body uses during exercise (VO2). Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 14 Feb. 2025 Inhaling nitrous oxide to get high isn’t a new phenomenon. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025 In the United States, possession of nitrous oxide is legal under federal law and only subject to federal regulation from the Food and Drug Administration. Ben Dandridge-Lemco, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for nitrous oxide

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrous oxide was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Nitrous oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrous%20oxide. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrous oxide

noun
: a colorless gas that when inhaled causes loss of the ability to feel pain and sometimes produces laughter and is used especially in dentistry

called also laughing gas

Medical Definition

nitrous oxide

noun
: a colorless gas N2O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter and is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry

called also laughing gas

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrous oxide

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