nitric oxide

noun

: a colorless poisonous gas NO formed by oxidation of nitrogen or ammonia that is present in the atmosphere and also in mammals where it is synthesized from arginine and oxygen and acts as a vasodilator and as a mediator of cell-to-cell communication (as between nerve cells) compare nitrous oxide

Examples of nitric oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists have homed in on bioactive plant compounds found in cocoa beans, called flavanols, which have been shown to prompt production of nitric oxide in the body. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 5 Dec. 2024

Beets contain nitrate, which the body converts into nitric oxide. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 31 Oct. 2024

Nu-Med Plus is focused on developing technologies in the medical device field, specifically related to nitric oxide delivery systems. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

This is because once inside the body, they are converted into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation. —Maria Berentzen, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

nitric oxide

noun

: a poisonous colorless gas NO that occurs as a common air pollutant formed by the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen and that is also formed by the oxidation of arginine in the mammalian body where it acts as a mediator of intracellular and intercellular communication regulating numerous biological processes (as vasodilation and neurotransmission)