nitrous
nitrous Lexical Profile
nitrous Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or denoting chemical compounds containing nitrogen, specifically in a lower oxidation state (typically +1 or +3) than in nitric compounds.
"Nitrous oxide is widely used in dentistry as a mild sedative and analgesic."
Of, relating to, or resembling niter (potassium nitrate) or saltpeter.
"The mineral springs in the valley were known for their slightly nitrous mineral content."
• noun
Nitrous oxide gas, especially when used as an inhalant anesthetic or as an oxidizer injected into an internal combustion engine to boost horsepower.
"The mechanic installed a nitrous system in the race car to increase its acceleration on the track."
Word Nuance & Usage
In chemistry, 'nitrous' refers to compounds where nitrogen has a lower oxidation state (such as nitrous acid, HNO2), whereas 'nitric' indicates a higher oxidation state (such as nitric acid, HNO3).
• Rhymes for nitrous
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Latin 'nitrosus' ('full of natron or niter'), derived from 'nitrum' (from Ancient Greek 'nitron'). In modern chemistry, the '-ous' ending was standardized in the late 18th century to denote a lower valence of nitrogen.