nitrogen oxide

noun

: any of several oxides of nitrogen most of which are produced in combustion and are considered to be atmospheric pollutants: such as

Examples of nitrogen oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There, at least a quarter of all nitrogen oxides — the precursors to smog — are released by the area’s irrigated green spaces, according to research from UC Davis. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024 Ground-level ozone pollution forms on hot days when volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides react in the sunlight. Judith Kohler, The Denver Post, 3 Oct. 2024 Tampering with or removing emissions controls can drastically increase the release of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and nonmethane hydrocarbons found in vehicle exhaust, causing potentially serious health risks. Keith Matheny, Detroit Free Press, 26 Feb. 2024 Other compounds, including nitrogen oxides, can also harm plants and reduce photosynthesis. Delphine Farmer, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nitrogen oxide 

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen oxide was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen oxide

Cite this Entry

“Nitrogen oxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen%20oxide. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

nitrogen oxide

noun
: any of various oxides of nitrogen: as

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen oxide

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