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
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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 See all Example Sentences for nitrogen dioxide 

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen dioxide was in 1869

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

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