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

Estrogen plays a crucial role in triggering the production of nitric oxide, Michelle Routhenstein, RDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian, explained to Flow Space. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 18 June 2024

This increases the production of nitric oxide, a compound that causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, decreasing blood pressure. —Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024

And red blood cells control its levels because, like oxygen, nitric oxide can bind to hemoglobin. —Byandrew Zaleski, science.org, 3 July 2024

Relieves Muscle Soreness The citrulline in watermelon can boost nitric oxide production and reduce ammonia levels. —Lindsey Desoto, Rd, Ld, Verywell Health, 23 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

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)