adj
nitrous
NYT-ruhs
Nitrous (adj) means relating to or derived from nitrogen, especially in a lower-valence chemical form than "nitric" compounds. Example: “Nitrous compounds behave differently in reactions than their nitric counterparts.”
adj
1
Relating to or derived from nitrogen, especially in a lower-valence chemical form than "nitric" compounds.
"Nitrous compounds behave differently in reactions than their nitric counterparts."
noun
1
Short for nitrous oxide, sometimes used as a mild anesthetic or, in cars, to boost engine power.
"The dentist used nitrous to help her relax during the procedure."
"His car was fitted with a nitrous system for extra speed on the strip."
How to use nitrous
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelated to nitrogen in its lower-oxidation forms; casually, short for "nitrous oxide" (laughing gas or engine-boost gas).
Common mistake
Don't mix up with "nitric," which refers to the higher-oxidation nitrogen compounds like nitric acid.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
nitrous oxide
nitrous system
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_____ compounds behave differently in reactions than their nitric counterparts.
Etymology
From Middle French nitreux, tracing to Latin nitrōsus ("full of nitre").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for nitrous
See all rhymes for nitrous →Frequently asked questions
What does “nitrous” mean?
The word “nitrous” means relating to or derived from nitrogen, especially in a lower-valence chemical form than "nitric" compounds. In plain terms, related to nitrogen in its lower-oxidation forms; casually, short for "nitrous oxide" (laughing gas or engine-boost gas).
How do you pronounce “nitrous”?
“Nitrous” is pronounced NYT-ruhs (/ˈnaɪtɹəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “nitrous” in a sentence?
Here is “nitrous” used in a sentence: “Nitrous compounds behave differently in reactions than their nitric counterparts.”
What part of speech is “nitrous”?
Depending on how it is used, “nitrous” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “nitrous” come from?
The word “nitrous” comes from Latin. From Middle French nitreux, tracing to Latin nitrōsus ("full of nitre").
How many meanings does “nitrous” have?
“Nitrous” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to or derived from nitrogen, especially in a lower-valence chemical form than "nitric" compounds.
