nitrous oxide

noun

: a colorless gas N₂O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter, that is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry and as a fuel, and that is an atmospheric pollutant and greenhouse gas produced by combustion

called also laughing gas

compare nitric oxide

Examples of nitrous oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Inhaling nitrous oxide to get high isn’t a new phenomenon. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 24 Jan. 2025

In the United States, possession of nitrous oxide is legal under federal law and only subject to federal regulation from the Food and Drug Administration. —Ben Dandridge-Lemco, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024

Back in September, the cast of the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives sparked a debate around using laughing gas or nitrous oxide when getting Botox after their girls' day at the doctor's office was aired in an episode of the Hulu series. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Methane, another powerful greenhouse gas, and nitrous oxide also spiked to record levels. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 28 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nitrous oxide

noun

: a colorless gas that when inhaled causes loss of the ability to feel pain and sometimes produces laughter and is used especially in dentistry

called also laughing gas

Medical Definition

nitrous oxide

noun

: a colorless gas N₂O that when inhaled produces loss of sensibility to pain preceded by exhilaration and sometimes laughter and is used especially as an anesthetic in dentistry

called also laughing gas