Nitrous
/ˈnaɪtrəs/noun
Relating to nitrogen oxides, especially nitrogen in a lower oxidation state.
Did you know?The root behind *nitrous* ultimately goes back to Greek *nitron*, the mineral salt used in antiquity for cleaning, preserving, and making glass—long before modern chemistry named nitrogen compounds.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
nítron (νίτρον)
“A naturally occurring mineral salt, especially natron used for cleaning and other practical purposes.”
Latin
Latin
nitrum
“Natron or soda ash; a mineral salt borrowed from Greek.”
Late Latin / Medieval Latin
Latin
nitrosus
“Having the quality of nitre; salty or impregnated with nitre.”
Middle French
French
nitreux
“Containing nitre; nitrous.”
Early Modern English
English
nitrous
“Of or relating to nitre or nitrogen oxides.”