nitrogen

noun

ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən 

: a nonmetallic chemical element with atomic number 7 that under standard conditions is a colorless, odorless, inert gas, that constitutes 78 percent of the Earth's atmosphere, and that is used especially in the industrial synthesis of ammonia, as a component of inert atmospheres, and in liquid form as a refrigerant

—often used before another noun

the nitrogen cycle

nitrogen fertilizer

see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of nitrogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Miller, a former delivery driver who was convicted in 2000 for a workplace shooting spree, was put to death using nitrogen gas — one of three inmates executed by Alabama this year by way of the novel method. —Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2024

And Alabama this year became the first state to use nitrogen gas to execute prisoners. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

According to Cannabis Business Times, bat guano is a popular ingredient for many cannabis growers, due to its high proportion of the active ingredients nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

Yes, but: Recent upgrades to the state's stormwater and wastewater treatment plant have have helped reduce 8.2 million pounds of nitrogen and 708 pounds of phosphorus that would've gone into the Bay. —Karri Peifer, Axios, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French nitrogène, from nitre niter + -gène -gen

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nitrogen

• nitrogen balance
• nitrogen cycle
• nitrogen dioxide
• nitrogen fixation
• nitrogen-fixer
• nitrogen-fixing
• nitrogen mustard
• nitrogen narcosis
• nitrogen oxide
• nitrogen tetroxide

Kids Definition

nitrogen

noun

ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən 

: a colorless tasteless odorless element that occurs as a gas which makes up 78 percent of the atmosphere and that forms a part of all living tissues see element

nitrogenous

nī-ˈträj-ə-nəs 

adjective

Medical Definition

nitrogen

noun

ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən 

: a common nonmetallic element that in the free form is normally a colorless odorless tasteless insoluble inert diatomic gas comprising 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume and that in the combined form is a constituent of biologically important compounds (as proteins, nucleic acids, and alkaloids) and hence of all living cells as well as of industrially important substances (as cyanides, fertilizers, dyes, and antibiotics)

—symbol N see Chemical Elements Table