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
When used, the inmate breathes pure nitrogen gas through a mask that displaces the oxygen in their system, depriving them of air.
—
Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
But during the hearing, several organizations – including the Minnesota Farmers Union, the Minnesota Farm Bureau, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and others – expressed concern with adding a tax on nitrogen fertilizers.
—Minnpost, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Alabama became the first state to carry out executions with nitrogen gas when three inmates were put to death last year using the method.
—CBS News, 6 Feb. 2025
In the kitchen, the chefs are seen pouring liquid nitrogen, tying dumplings and setting food aflame.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nitrogen 
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Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
But during the hearing, several organizations – including the Minnesota Farmers Union, the Minnesota Farm Bureau, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and others – expressed concern with adding a tax on nitrogen fertilizers.
—Minnpost, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Alabama became the first state to carry out executions with nitrogen gas when three inmates were put to death last year using the method.
—CBS News, 6 Feb. 2025
In the kitchen, the chefs are seen pouring liquid nitrogen, tying dumplings and setting food aflame.
—Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for nitrogen
Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 12 Feb. 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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