nitrous
/'naitrəs/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or containing nitrogen, especially in a lower valence state: Specifically, "nitrous" describes compounds or chemical species where nitrogen has a lower oxidation state, most commonly +1 or +3, compared to "nitric" compounds where nitrogen is in a higher oxidation state, typically +5.
- Pertaining to nitrous oxide: In common usage, it often refers specifically to nitrous oxide (N₂O), a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, used as an anesthetic and in aerosol propellants.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The dentist administered nitrous oxide to help the patient relax.
- Nitrous acid is a weak and unstable acid.
- The chemical reaction produced a nitrous vapor.
Advanced Usage
- "Nitrous" vs. "Nitric": In chemistry, "nitrous" and "nitric" are distinct terms. "Nitrous" refers to compounds where nitrogen has a lower oxidation number (e.g., nitrous acid, HNO₂; nitrous oxide, N₂O). "Nitric" refers to compounds where nitrogen has a higher oxidation number (e.g., nitric acid, HNO₃; nitrogen dioxide, NO₂).
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is different from nitric oxide (NO).
Variants and Related Words
- Nitrous oxide (n): The common name for dinitrogen monoxide (N₂O), often called "laughing gas."
- Nitrous oxide is used in some racing engines to increase power.
- Nitrous acid (n): A weak acid with the formula HNO₂.
- Nitrous acid decomposes readily into nitric oxide and nitric acid.
Synonyms
- Azotic (archaic): Pertaining to nitrogen.
- Nitroso- (prefix): A chemical prefix indicating the presence of the nitroso group (-N=O).
Related Phrases and Compounds
- Nitrous bacteria: Bacteria that oxidize ammonia to nitrites in the nitrogen cycle.
- Nitrous fumes: Fumes containing oxides of nitrogen, often brownish in color.
Adjective
-
of or containing nitrogen
-
nitric acid
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