nitrous

== English == === Etymology === From Middle French nitreux, and its source, Latin nitrōsus (“nitrose”). Doublet of nitroso. By surface analysis, nitro- +‎ -ous. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈnaɪtɹəs/ === Adjective === nitrous (not comparable) (now historical) Pertaining to or composed of nitre; having the properties of nitre, bitter. [from 16th c.] (chemistry) Of, relating to, or derived from nitrogen, especially in which the valence of the nitrogen is lower than that of a corresponding nitric species. [from 17th c.] (chemistry) Of or relating to nitrous acid or its derivatives. (mycology, biology) Having a sharp odor like ammonia or nitric acid. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Noun === nitrous (uncountable) (dentistry, automotive, informal) Nitrous oxide. (automotive, informal) The system in some racing vehicles which pumps nitrous oxide into the engine to improve performance. === Anagrams === trusion, turions