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

And importantly, because nitric oxide is a gasotransmitter molecule with a short half-life, microbes shouldn't develop a resistance to it over time. —New Atlas, 15 Aug. 2025

This may be because L-citrulline increases the body’s nitric oxide production, essential for blood vessel health.11 Add watermelon to your post-workout routine to rehydrate, reduce soreness, and boost energy. 6. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025

This is likely due to L-citrulline's role in nitric oxide production. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 19 Mar. 2025

Studies show that nose breathing boosts nitric oxide, a chemical that opens blood vessels, allowing for better blood flow, and delivers more oxygen to your body, which improves breathing.2 4. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 2025

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)