nitric oxide

noun

: a colorless poisonous gas NO formed by oxidation of nitrogen or ammonia that is present in the atmosphere and also in mammals where it is synthesized from arginine and oxygen and acts as a vasodilator and as a mediator of cell-to-cell communication (as between nerve cells) compare nitrous oxide

Examples of nitric oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Erections rely on the bioavailability of nitric oxide and the ability of blood vessels to dilate efficiently. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

They're packed with health-promoting compounds, including nitrites, which the body converts to nitric oxide. —Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 5 June 2025

When functioning properly, these specialized cells release chemicals such as nitric oxide that control the relaxing and contracting of the canal, thus regulating blood flow. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 28 May 2025

Release of nitric acid theory: Researchers theorize that cupping therapy may increase the production of nitric oxide (NO), which controls blood flow, volume, and vasodilation (opening blood vessels). —Sherri Gordon, Health, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitric oxide

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Medical Definition

nitric oxide

noun

: a poisonous colorless gas NO that occurs as a common air pollutant formed by the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen and that is also formed by the oxidation of arginine in the mammalian body where it acts as a mediator of intracellular and intercellular communication regulating numerous biological processes (as vasodilation and neurotransmission)