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
Alabama executed death row inmate Jamie Ray Mills on Thursday, marking the state's first execution since Kenneth Smith was put to death using nitrogen hypoxia in January.
—
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 May 2024
As the nitrogen works to decompose and transform the bale into a nutrient-rich environment for plants, the center of the bale will heat up, similar to a compost pile, and then begin to cool.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2024
Solar particles trapped there interact with various gas molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen, according to the research corporation's website.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024
For indoor plants that shed their oldest leaves fairly quickly (turning yellow and dying off), and for pots that are watered often, a nitrogen boost may be the main focus of fertilization.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nitrogen 
Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 30 May 2024
As the nitrogen works to decompose and transform the bale into a nutrient-rich environment for plants, the center of the bale will heat up, similar to a compost pile, and then begin to cool.
—Jessica Damiano, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2024
Solar particles trapped there interact with various gas molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen, according to the research corporation's website.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, 11 May 2024
For indoor plants that shed their oldest leaves fairly quickly (turning yellow and dying off), and for pots that are watered often, a nitrogen boost may be the main focus of fertilization.
—Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 7 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for nitrogen
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nitrogen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near nitrogen
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 5 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share