Nitrous Meaning
/ˈnaɪtɹəs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjPertaining to or composed of nitre; having the properties of nitre, bitter.
adjOf, relating to, or derived from nitrogen, especially in which the valence of the nitrogen is lower than that of a corresponding nitric species.
Sentence Examples
Nitrous oxide stopped being used as an anaesthetic a long time ago.
Nitrous oxide is inert at room temperature.
The dentist used nitrous oxide to help the nervous patient relax.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The dentist administered ____ oxide to help the patient relax during the procedure.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ oxide is sometimes used in dentistry to help patients stay relaxed.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French nitreux, and its source, Latin nitrōsus (“nitrose”). Doublet of nitroso. By surface analysis, nitro- + -ous.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Whate'er the wintry Frost
Nitrous prepar'd; the various-blossom'd Spring
Put in white Promise forth; and Summer-Suns
Concocted strong, rush boundless now to View […]."
— a. 1749 (date written), James Thomson, “Autumn”, in The Seasons, London: […] A[ndrew] Millar, and sold by Thomas Cadell, […], published 1768, →OCLC:
"In fact, nitric oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide, or laughing gas) is one of our primary signalling molecules."
— 2019, Bill Bryson, The Body: A Guide for Occupants, Black Swan (2020), pages 156–157:
"On social media and beyond, many have taken to using the brand’s name in a more colloquial fashion, with “Galaxy Gas” being used as a catchall for nitrous oxide inhalants at large, regardless of whether they are actually Galaxy Gas products or not."
— 2024 September 23, Trace William Cowen, “What the Hell Is Galaxy Gas?”, in Complex:
"When a shot this big is being run, it will also be necessary to pull 6-10 degrees of timing out when the nitrous is being run."
— 2002, Mike Kojima, Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance, Penguin, →ISBN, page 111:
"To simulate nitrous, we will use a very simple approach: apply a large force to the back of the car when the nitrous is on."
— 2004, Simon Carless, Gaming Hacks, "O'Reilly Media, Inc.", →ISBN, page 320:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The dentist administered ____ oxide to help the patient relax during the procedure.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ oxide is sometimes used in dentistry to help patients stay relaxed.