nitrous
adj.adj. relating to a chemical compound made of nitrogen and oxygen. It is often used to describe a gas that makes things burn faster.
adj. relating to or containing nitrous oxide, a chemical compound consisting of two nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Often used in technical contexts to describe the properties of this specific gas.
The engine uses nitrous to increase its speed.
In racing, drivers often use nitrous oxide to provide a quick burst of power during a straightaway.
The chemical properties of nitrous oxide make it a popular choice for both medical anesthesia and high-performance automotive applications, though its environmental impact remains a subject of debate.
From Middle French nitreux, and its source, Latin nitrōsus (“nitrose”). Doublet of nitroso. By surface analysis, nitro- + -ous.