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
The nitrogen needs of a tomato plant vary as the plant grows, requiring more during the early stages of establishment and vegetative growth.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Unlike the familiar bolts that crack down from clouds to the ground, sprites shoot upward into the mesosphere, often appearing red or pink, due to the interaction of nitrogen molecules with high-energy electrons.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
The nitrogen will cause the blades to grow unproportionate to the roots.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Researchers measured the amount of nitrogen and carbon in the whiskers, which tells them the kinds of animals the leopard seals have eaten in the past few years.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Unlike the familiar bolts that crack down from clouds to the ground, sprites shoot upward into the mesosphere, often appearing red or pink, due to the interaction of nitrogen molecules with high-energy electrons.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
The nitrogen will cause the blades to grow unproportionate to the roots.
—Chris McKeown, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Researchers measured the amount of nitrogen and carbon in the whiskers, which tells them the kinds of animals the leopard seals have eaten in the past few years.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
Cite this Entry
“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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
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