rhizoverbBeta
DictionarynitrousContaining nitrogen
adjective

nitrous

NYE-trus/nˈɪtrʌs/

Containing nitrogen, especially in a lower oxidation state.

The model of nitrous oxide contains two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

A single tabletop ball-and-stick model of nitrous oxide: two blue nitrogen spheres and one red oxygen sphere arranged in a straight N–N–O sequence, illustrating a nitrogen-containing compound with a low average nitrogen oxidation state.
Etymology
nitrLatinnitre
+ousLatincharacterized by

The pieces originally described something as having the qualities of nitre. Chemists later narrowed ‘nitrous’ to nitrogen compounds with a lower valence than the corresponding ‘nitric’ compounds.

In context

Global News0:44
the excess nitrogen escapes into the air as nitrous oxide
What is nitrous oxide?

More examples

  • The formula for nitrous acid is HNO₂.
  • Nitrous oxide contains two nitrogen atoms for every oxygen atom.
  • Nitrous acid forms when nitrites react with a strong acid.

Forms

nitrous

Similar words

nitrogenous
Means containing nitrogen, without specifying nitrogen's oxidation state.
nitric
Typically indicates a higher oxidation state in corresponding nitrogen compounds.