nitro
nitro Lexical Profile
nitro Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Carbonated or infused with nitrogen gas (typically mixed with carbon dioxide) to produce a smooth, creamy texture and cascading foam, especially in draft beer or cold-brew coffee.
"She ordered a glass of nitro cold brew at the local cafe."
Designating an organic chemical compound that contains the monovalent —NO2 functional group bound to a carbon atom.
"The laboratory synthesized several new nitro compounds for industrial research."
• noun
An informal shortening of nitroglycerin, either as an explosive liquid or as a vasodilator medication used to treat chest pain.
"The paramedics administered a dose of nitro to relieve the patient's sudden angina."
Nitromethane or nitrous oxide used as a high-performance fuel additive or power booster in internal combustion engines and racing vehicles.
"The dragster's engine runs on a specialized blend of methanol and nitro."
A draft beer or cold-brew coffee infused with nitrogen gas to give it a velvety mouthfeel and a dense, creamy head.
"The brewery just put a new chocolate stout on tap as a nitro."
• Rhymes for nitro
Word Origin & Etymology
Originally formed as a clipped shortening of 'nitroglycerin' in the late 19th century, and later extended to 'nitromethane', 'nitrous oxide', and 'nitrogen'. The combining form derives from Greek 'nitron' (native soda or saltpeter).