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

Additionally, hazelnuts are high in L-arginine, an amino acid that promotes nitric oxide production, aiding blood vessel regulation and helping maintain healthy blood pressure. — Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 22 July 2026

May Support Healthy Blood Vessels Vitamin C helps support healthy blood vessels by increasing the production and activity of nitric oxide. — Alexandria Nyembwe, Health, 16 July 2026

Nitrate-rich vegetables like leafy greens and beets support nitric oxide production which dilates blood vessels. — Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026

Research has increasingly linked beet consumption with improved blood flow and lower blood pressure, largely because of how efficiently the body converts their nitrates into nitric oxide. — Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 24 May 2026

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)