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

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

One key group that appeared to be suppressed, Prevotella species, may interfere with the production of nitric oxide. — Christina Manian, Health, 23 June 2026

Canned Beets Beets are naturally rich in nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide, Malone explained. — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 21 June 2026

In fact, the two are biologically linked, with overlapping pathologies in endothelial function, and signaling in testosterone and nitric oxide. — Denise Asafu-Adjei, STAT, 13 Apr. 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)