nitrous oxide

noun

: a colorless gas N2O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter, that is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry and as a fuel, and that is an atmospheric pollutant and greenhouse gas produced by combustion

called also laughing gas

compare nitric oxide

Examples of nitrous oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
American farming is, by far, the largest source of domestic nitrous oxide emissions already—about 50 percent. ArsTechnica, 14 June 2025 Her cause of death was listed as methemoglobinemia in the setting of recent nitrous oxide administration. Jillian Frankel, People.com, 30 May 2025 Connelly is accused of a bevy of misdeeds in the letter, including instructing West on how to self-administer nitrous oxide without any medical supervision or safeguards. Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025 Inhaling nitrous oxide is a modern twist on an old high. Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nitrous oxide

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrous oxide was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Nitrous oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrous%20oxide. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrous oxide

noun
: a colorless gas that when inhaled causes loss of the ability to feel pain and sometimes produces laughter and is used especially in dentistry

called also laughing gas

Medical Definition

nitrous oxide

noun
: a colorless gas N2O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter and is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry

called also laughing gas

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrous oxide

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