noun / adjective
nitrous
Nitrous oxide gas.
The dentist gives her nitrous to help her relax.
Etymology
Nitrous here shortens nitrous oxide. The chemical adjective belongs to the nitrogen word family, while the shortened noun names the gas itself.
More examples
- The race car uses nitrous for a brief power boost.
- She asks whether nitrous is available during her dental procedure.
- The mechanic checks the nitrous tank before the race.
Similar words
- nitrous oxide
- The full chemical name, preferred in technical contexts.
- laughing gas
- An informal name more common in everyday dental contexts.