nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən 
: a nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 7 that under standard conditions is a colorless, odorless, inert gas, that constitutes 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, and that is used especially in the industrial synthesis of ammonia, as a component of inert atmospheres, and in liquid form as a refrigerant
—often used before another noun
the nitrogen cycle
nitrogen fertilizer
see Chemical Elements Table
Examples of nitrogen in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Good Zucchini Companion Plants Beans and peas are legumes that release nitrogen to the soil, which benefits zucchini plants.
—
Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 19 May 2026
Bean plants help keep soil healthy when grown alongside crops that absorb a lot of nitrogen, such as grains.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
Peas also fix nitrogen into the soil, says Coronado, a mineral that is key for soil health.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium released into the surrounding environment were significantly lower than those associated with conventional fertiliser use, suggesting potential environmental benefits alongside higher crop productivity.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
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Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 19 May 2026
Bean plants help keep soil healthy when grown alongside crops that absorb a lot of nitrogen, such as grains.
—Joe Hernandez, NPR, 18 May 2026
Peas also fix nitrogen into the soil, says Coronado, a mineral that is key for soil health.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium released into the surrounding environment were significantly lower than those associated with conventional fertiliser use, suggesting potential environmental benefits alongside higher crop productivity.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən
: a colorless tasteless odorless element that occurs as a gas which makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere and that forms a part of all living tissues see element
Medical Definition
nitrogen
noun
ni·tro·gen
ˈnī-trə-jən
: a common nonmetallic element that in the free form is normally a colorless odorless tasteless insoluble inert diatomic gas comprising 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume and that in the combined form is a constituent of biologically important compounds (as proteins, nucleic acids, and alkaloids) and hence of all living cells as well as of industrially important substances (as cyanides, fertilizers, dyes, and antibiotics)
—symbol N
see Chemical Elements Table
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