adj
nitrous
NYT-ruhs
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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Fill the Gap
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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").