nitrogen dioxide

noun

: a toxic reddish brown gas NO₂ that is a strong oxidizing agent, is produced by combustion (as of fossil fuels), and is an atmospheric pollutant (as in smog)

Examples of nitrogen dioxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

None of the restaurants with all-electric kitchens had excessive nitrogen dioxide or heat, reports my colleague Tony Briscoe. — Blanca Begert, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026

Even with the stove turned off, carbon monoxide levels were 14 parts per million (ppm), while nitrogen dioxide levels measured 14 parts per billion (ppb). — Carol J. Williams, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Along with heat and steam, gas stoves release gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which can affect indoor air quality. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

Philly neighborhoods with a higher percentage of green areas, by contrast, have lower levels of diesel particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide and other toxic air pollutants, which inflame and irritate the respiratory system. — Mahbubur Meenar, The Conversation, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitrogen dioxide

• acetaldehyde
• acetanilide
• arabinoside
• cycloheximide
• cyclophosphamide
• diethylamide
• dinucleotide
• ferricyanide
• ferrocyanide
• glutaraldehyde
• glyceraldehyde
• hydroperoxide

Kids Definition

nitrogen dioxide

noun

: a reddish brown poisonous gas that is an air pollutant formed from automobile exhausts

Medical Definition

nitrogen dioxide

noun

: a poisonous strongly oxidizing reddish brown gas NO₂