ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nitro

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˈnɪtɹoʊ// UK //nˈaɪtɹəʊ// ni·tro Informal

n. a short name for nitroglycerin or nitrogen. You use it when talking about things that make engines go faster or explosives more powerful.

n. a colloquial clipping of nitroglycerin or nitrogen, typically referring to chemical compounds used in explosives or as fuel additives to increase engine power.


SIMPLE

The racer used a nitro boost to win the competition.

CONTEXTUAL

The mechanic warned that adding nitro to a standard engine without proper cooling could cause permanent damage.

COMPLEX

In high-performance drag racing, nitro-methane is the preferred fuel because it provides significantly more energy per stroke than conventional gasoline.

Usage

Often used as a prefix in chemical nomenclature or as a standalone noun in informal automotive and industrial contexts.

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