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nitrogen dioxide
noun
: a toxic reddish brown gas NO2 that is a strong oxidizing agent, is produced by combustion (as of fossil fuels), and is an atmospheric pollutant (as in smog)
Examples of nitrogen dioxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The green fertilizer is produced with a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods and works by removing nitrogen dioxide from the air and converting it to nitrogen, which is used by the plants for photosynthesis.
—Mark Faithfull, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024
Throngs of passenger cars, SUVs and trucks emit nitrogen dioxide, which can cause asthma and other respiratory problems.
—Lisa M. Krieger, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024
Scientists found that the women who were exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate pollution — two prevalent forms of air pollution — during their second trimester were nearly four times as likely to experience depression up to 3 years after their pregnancy.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2024
Burning it for use emits a dangerous pollutant, nitrogen dioxide, into homes.
—Ben Jealous, The Mercury News, 8 Aug. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1869, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen dioxide
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20dioxide. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
nitrogen dioxide
noun
: a reddish brown poisonous gas that is an air pollutant formed from automobile exhausts
Medical Definition
nitrogen dioxide
noun
: a poisonous strongly oxidizing reddish brown gas NO2
More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen dioxide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitrogen dioxide
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