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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Your blood vessels sense the frictional drag of blood rushing past the vessel walls, and respond by producing molecules such as nitric oxide that help keep the vessels supple and responsive. 
Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2020 There, the catalyst’s precious metals help convert the byproducts of internal combustion—carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and unburned hydrocarbons—into carbon dioxide and water. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2022 The first uses a mix of platinum and rhodium to pull oxygen atoms away from nitric oxide, creating pure, benign nitrogen. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2022 McKeown explains that nitric oxide is produced in the sinuses and is known to be antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pathogenic and antiviral. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2021 Loss of nitric oxide is recognized as one of the earliest events in the onset and progression of every major chronic disease. Annie Brown, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 What's more, the overwhelming inflammation that can occur with severe Covid-19 causes the body to produce nitric oxide, and that, in turn, dilates blood vessels, leading to dangerously low blood pressure in some patients. NBC News, 10 Sep. 2021 Outside of EmitBio’s research, there have been several studies exploring the potential of nitric oxide to treat Covid patients. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 1 Sep. 2021 Research is limited on the benefits of nitric oxide in physical performance, but one piece of evidence suggests supplements with L-citrulline and other vasodilators can increase the amount of nutrients transported to muscle groups. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 29 Aug. 2021 See More
Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 Mar. 2020 There, the catalyst’s precious metals help convert the byproducts of internal combustion—carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and unburned hydrocarbons—into carbon dioxide and water. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2022 The first uses a mix of platinum and rhodium to pull oxygen atoms away from nitric oxide, creating pure, benign nitrogen. Matt Crisara, Popular Mechanics, 9 Mar. 2022 McKeown explains that nitric oxide is produced in the sinuses and is known to be antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-pathogenic and antiviral. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 21 Sep. 2021 Loss of nitric oxide is recognized as one of the earliest events in the onset and progression of every major chronic disease. Annie Brown, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2021 What's more, the overwhelming inflammation that can occur with severe Covid-19 causes the body to produce nitric oxide, and that, in turn, dilates blood vessels, leading to dangerously low blood pressure in some patients. NBC News, 10 Sep. 2021 Outside of EmitBio’s research, there have been several studies exploring the potential of nitric oxide to treat Covid patients. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 1 Sep. 2021 Research is limited on the benefits of nitric oxide in physical performance, but one piece of evidence suggests supplements with L-citrulline and other vasodilators can increase the amount of nutrients transported to muscle groups. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 29 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
First Known Use
1789, in the meaning defined above
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)