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.
When air pollution in the form of sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide, particulate matter and mercury spew from fossil fuel burning power plants, the health of communities living nearby are at risk, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025 Amy Louise Leonard, 20, a makeup artist from Greater Manchester in England, lost the ability to walk for three weeks after inhaling a balloon filled with nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025 While the record doesn't detail the events of Max's arrest, TMZ reported that the actor was allegedly abusing nitrous oxide before allegedly attacking his mother while livestreaming. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025 The team found that actual methane and nitrous oxide emissions from these facilities were far higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s estimates. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 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 18 Oct. 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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