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
Studies have revealed nitrogen concentrations approaching those found in raw sewage.
—
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Farmers overapplying them in their fields can cause nitrogen-laden runoff that pollutes water and the air.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Here on Earth, our thin atmosphere, dominated by nitrogen and oxygen gases, holds the key evidence that an alien civilization would need to determine that yes, our world is teeming with life.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025
These nutrients, along with nitrogen, are essential for healthy lawns.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nitrogen
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Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Farmers overapplying them in their fields can cause nitrogen-laden runoff that pollutes water and the air.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025
Here on Earth, our thin atmosphere, dominated by nitrogen and oxygen gases, holds the key evidence that an alien civilization would need to determine that yes, our world is teeming with life.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 10 Sep. 2025
These nutrients, along with nitrogen, are essential for healthy lawns.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 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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