Nitrogen - Noun (n)

Pronunciation

/ˈnaɪ.troʊ.ɡən/

Definitions

• Noun: A chemical element with the symbol N and atomic number 7. It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that constitutes about 78% of Earth’s atmosphere by volume. Nitrogen is essential for all living organisms, being a key component of amino acids, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. It can be found in many compounds such as proteins, DNA, and RNA.

Example Sentences

• “Plants obtain nitrogen from the soil through their roots and convert it into organic compounds.”
• "The air we breathe is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen gases."

Phrases

• "Nitrogen fixation" refers to the process by which atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that plants can absorb and use.
• “Dissolved nitrogen” refers to the amount of nitrogen present in a liquid solution, often referring to water bodies affected by pollution.

Synonyms

• Azote
• Nitrigen
• Elemental nitrogen

Chemical & Scientific Usage

• Ammonia (NH₃), a compound formed from nitrogen and hydrogen, is widely used in fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
• Nitrate (NO₃⁻), a nitrogen-containing ion, is crucial for plant nutrition and can also be found in some explosives and propellants.
• Nitrogen gas is often denoted as N₂ in chemical equations and contexts.

Related Terms

• Nitrogen cycle: The natural process through which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms in the environment.
• Denitrification: A bacterial process that converts nitrates back into nitrogen gas, releasing it into the atmosphere.
• Nitrogen deficiency: A condition where plants do not have enough available nitrogen for growth and reproduction.