nitrous

[ nahy-truhs ]

adjective

, Chemistry.

1. pertaining to compounds obtained from niter, usually containing less oxygen than the corresponding nitric compounds.
2. containing nitrogen, usually in the trivalent state.

nitrous

/ ˈnaɪtrəs /

adjective

1. of, derived from, or containing nitrogen, esp in a low valency state

nitrous

/ nī′trəs /

1. Containing nitrogen, especially nitrogen with a valence of 3.
2. Compare nitric

Other Words From

• non·nitrous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrous¹

First recorded in 1595–1605, nitrous is from the Latin word nitrōsus full of natron. See nitroso-

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrous¹

C17: from Latin nitrōsus full of natron

Example Sentences

The WMO reports historically high levels of the greenhouse gasses methane and nitrous oxide, which like carbon dioxide are common byproducts of human industry.

From Salon

In a statement read to the court, a bomb disposal officer said the device contained nitrous oxide cylinders.

From BBC

“If we take large-scale efforts to reduce methane emissions — and I should say nitrous oxide as well, and other shorter-lived greenhouse gases — we could buy ourselves decades of time to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.”

From Los Angeles Times

Possession of nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas or NOS - for recreational use has been a criminal offence in the United Kingdom since 2023 and can result in a two-year prison sentence.

From BBC

As humans continue to burn fossil fuels, we release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, nitrous oxide that trap heat that would otherwise radiate back out of the planet's atmosphere.

From Salon