nitrogen

noun

ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: a nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 7 that under standard conditions is a colorless, odorless, inert gas, that constitutes 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, and that is used especially in the industrial synthesis of ammonia, as a component of inert atmospheres, and in liquid form as a refrigerant
often used before another noun
the nitrogen cycle
nitrogen fertilizer
see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of nitrogen 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.
Earth’s early atmosphere was mainly a toxic mix of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor. David Bressan, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 For example, if a fish has a small amount of nitrogen, but then a seal eats many fish, the seal’s percentage of nitrogen will be higher, indicating their place on the food chain in what is called bioaccumulation. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025 Most fish emulsion products contain high amounts of nitrogen, which can be particularly beneficial for leafy greens and lawns. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 June 2025 Israel is a major exporter of nitrogen which is used to make it. Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for nitrogen

Word History

Etymology

French nitrogène, from nitre niter + -gène -gen

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen was in 1791

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nitrogen

noun
ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: a colorless tasteless odorless element that occurs as a gas which makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere and that forms a part of all living tissues see element
nitrogenous adjective

Medical Definition

nitrogen

noun
ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: a common nonmetallic element that in the free form is normally a colorless odorless tasteless insoluble inert diatomic gas comprising 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume and that in the combined form is a constituent of biologically important compounds (as proteins, nucleic acids, and alkaloids) and hence of all living cells as well as of industrially important substances (as cyanides, fertilizers, dyes, and antibiotics)
symbol N
see Chemical Elements Table

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