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

So adding these nitrogen-respiring bacteria to soil could help decrease nitrous oxide emissions. —Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024

The Prosecutor's Office stated in a release that the teen was struck by a nitrous oxide canister. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 26 Apr. 2024

But in recent days, the site allegedly received a large shipment of butane, as well as propane, nitrous oxide and other products. —Evan Rosen, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2024

A lot of leakage would extend the life of some greenhouse gases such as methane or nitrous oxides in the atmosphere, further warming the planet. —S. Julio Friedmann, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

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