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

This isn't the first time SZA has expressed concern about the effects of nitrous oxide. —Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 21 May 2025

The encounter spirals further as Ye questions whether Myers’ last name is Jewish, the elevator appears to get stuck, and the hip-hop star takes a hit from a canister of nitrous oxide. —Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 18 May 2025

Americans have known about the effects of nitrous oxide for centuries. —Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 9 May 2025

He was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and being in possession of nitrous oxide. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2025

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