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
At Aman New York, full-body cryotherapy treatments include a nitrogen-free, full-immersion chamber that delivers subzero temperatures in under four minutes.
—
Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Skiing on nitrogen or methane ice would feel rigid and brittle, and make for an unpleasant experience.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
In the new work, Milton and her colleagues examined the ratio of different isotopes—forms of atoms with differing numbers of uncharged neutrons in their nucleus—of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur in maize cobs archaeologists had uncovered from the Chincha Valley.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
This all-important ingredient contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), and promotes healthy, strong growth.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
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Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 14 Feb. 2026
Skiing on nitrogen or methane ice would feel rigid and brittle, and make for an unpleasant experience.
—Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
In the new work, Milton and her colleagues examined the ratio of different isotopes—forms of atoms with differing numbers of uncharged neutrons in their nucleus—of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur in maize cobs archaeologists had uncovered from the Chincha Valley.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 11 Feb. 2026
This all-important ingredient contains nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), and promotes healthy, strong growth.
—Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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