nitrogen dioxide

noun

: a toxic reddish brown gas NO2 that is a strong oxidizing agent, is produced by combustion (as of fossil fuels), and is an atmospheric pollutant (as in smog)

Examples of nitrogen dioxide in a Sentence

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Looking at participants’ locations, the researchers measured the amount of nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter (measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller), and particulate matter (measuring 10 micrometers or smaller) each person was exposed to. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024 Minimize exposure to air pollutants: Air pollutants such as particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide that can break down collagen as well. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 The main villains are ground-level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles. Umair Irfan, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 The green fertilizer is produced with a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods and works by removing nitrogen dioxide from the air and converting it to nitrogen, which is used by the plants for photosynthesis. Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nitrogen dioxide 

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen dioxide was in 1869

Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen dioxide

Cite this Entry

“Nitrogen dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20dioxide. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

nitrogen dioxide

noun
: a reddish brown poisonous gas that is an air pollutant formed from automobile exhausts

Medical Definition

nitrogen dioxide

noun
: a poisonous strongly oxidizing reddish brown gas NO2

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen dioxide

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