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
The smell Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolate, a unique phytonutrient that’s made up of amino acids, glucose, nitrogen and sulfur.
—
Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
The cargo includes food, oxygen, and nitrogen, and spare parts for the station's urine processor, which helps convert waste into fresh drinking water.
—Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
The two-dimensional nanomaterial, made of metals with carbon or nitrogen, is prized for its conductivity and adaptability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Still others improve access to nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
—Anna Marija Helt, JSTOR Daily, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
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Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2025
The cargo includes food, oxygen, and nitrogen, and spare parts for the station's urine processor, which helps convert waste into fresh drinking water.
—Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
The two-dimensional nanomaterial, made of metals with carbon or nitrogen, is prized for its conductivity and adaptability.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025
Still others improve access to nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen.
—Anna Marija Helt, JSTOR Daily, 17 Sep. 2025
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 Sep. 2025.
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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