nitric oxide

noun

: a colorless poisonous gas NO formed by oxidation of nitrogen or ammonia that is present in the atmosphere and also in mammals where it is synthesized from arginine and oxygen and acts as a vasodilator and as a mediator of cell-to-cell communication (as between nerve cells) compare nitrous oxide

Examples of nitric oxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Polyphenols in pomegranate may help lower blood pressure by improving arterial function, increasing nitric oxide production, and inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). —Md Published, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2026

Beets also contain nitrates, which the body converts to nitric oxide and uses to help increase blood flow throughout the body and improve the efficiency of skeletal muscle contraction, Collen says. —Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 22 Apr. 2026

Beets contain nitrates, which are compounds that your body converts into nitric oxide. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 20 Apr. 2026

In fact, the two are biologically linked, with overlapping pathologies in endothelial function, and signaling in testosterone and nitric oxide. —Denise Asafu-Adjei, STAT, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nitric oxide

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

Medical Definition

nitric oxide

noun

: a poisonous colorless gas NO that occurs as a common air pollutant formed by the oxidation of atmospheric nitrogen and that is also formed by the oxidation of arginine in the mammalian body where it acts as a mediator of intracellular and intercellular communication regulating numerous biological processes (as vasodilation and neurotransmission)