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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
To help overcome the effects of aging on blood vessels, exercise triggers the release of nitric oxide from the walls of brain arteries.
—Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 16 May 2024
Antioxidants similarly work to preserve nitric oxide, a compound that has a role to play in moderating blood pressure, per Healthline.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 13 May 2024
The supplement contains icariin, a compound that stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and promotes circulation.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2023
This high-quality product contains an amino acid that plays a critical role in the production of nitric oxide, which helps to promote blood flow, energy levels and overall well-being.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
The Peregrine lander's propulsion system uses a hypergolic propellant mixture, combining hydrazine fuel and a solution of nitric oxide and nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2024
This supplement is designed to increase blood flow by unleashing the power of nitric oxide, a natural molecule that helps to relax the arteries and increase blood flow to the body's tissues and organs.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2023
Most nitric oxide supplements don’t actually contain nitric oxide.
—Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 25 Jan. 2023
Unlike traditional medications that rely on chemicals, this alternative uses natural ingredients like L-arginine, an amino acid that stimulates nitric oxide synthesis.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 26 Oct. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nitric oxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1789, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nitric oxide
Cite this Entry
“Nitric oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitric%20oxide. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
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)
More from Merriam-Webster on nitric oxide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitric oxide
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