nitrogen

noun

ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When fertilizer prices spike, farmers tend to cut phosphorus and potassium first and nitrogen last. — Jayash Paudel, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026 Following oxidation, sulfur was no longer detectable in the bulk elemental analysis and nitrogen had fallen to a negligible trace. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026 Oxygen typically produces green and red colors, while nitrogen can create blue, pink and reddish-purple hues. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 King’s team identified staple cacao alkaloids (naturally occurring organic compounds with at least one nitrogen atom) including theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine on the shards. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nitrogen

Word History

Etymology

French nitrogène, from nitre niter + -gène -gen

First Known Use

1791, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nitrogen was in 1791

Phrases Containing nitrogen

Browse Nearby Words

nitrogelatin
nitrogen
nitrogenase
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nitrogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nitrogen. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

nitrogen

noun
ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: 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
nitrogenous
nī-ˈträj-ə-nəs How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

nitrogen

noun
ni·​tro·​gen ˈnī-trə-jən How to pronounce nitrogen (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on nitrogen

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nitrogen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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