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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
In addition to smoke and soot, the space agency detected large plumes of harmful gases emanating from the wildfires, including lung-irritating nitrogen dioxide and cancer-causing formaldehyde.
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Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
The researchers suggest that these white lights arise due to a combination of heating in the ionosphere due to the surrounding aurora, as well as the chemiluminescence of some other gases in the atmosphere, possibly nitrogen dioxide.
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Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
The waiver can be used to rein in toxic, smog-causing pollutants like soot, nitrogen dioxide and ozone that lead to asthma and lung disease.
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Coral Davenport, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Almost all people living in large cities breathe elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2); a pollutant linked to the development of childhood asthma as well as the aggravation of existing asthma symptoms.
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Laurie Winkless, Forbes, 26 Nov. 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 Feb. 2025.
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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