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

Authorities also said the girl received three additional sedating medications along with nitrous oxide, which can suppress breathing. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 17 July 2026

According to the affidavit, Aithana received chloral hydrate, hydroxyzine and meperidine in addition to nitrous oxide gas. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2026

Medical records revealed that Arriaga had been given two other sedation medications and nitrous oxide gas in addition to the Demerol. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Authorities allege Hemphill administered meperidine, also known as Demerol, along with two other medications and nitrous oxide during an April 1 frenectomy at Cuddle Kids Dental to correct Aithana Rodriguez Arriaga’s tongue-tie. — Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitrous oxide

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

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