How to pronounce nitrous
Say it like NIT-rus. Nitrous has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nitrous. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- NIT
- rus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nitrous pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- rusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of nitrous
American and British speakers say nitrous in essentially the same way: /ˈnɪtrəs/ in the US and /ˈnɪtrəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: NIT-rus.
What does nitrous mean?
- Of, relating to, or derived from nitrogen, especially in which the valence of the nitrogen is lower than that of a corresponding nitric species.
- Of or relating to nitrous acid or its derivatives.
- Having a sharp odor like ammonia or nitric acid.
- Nitrous oxide.
- The system in some racing vehicles which pumps nitrous oxide into the engine to improve performance.
Where does nitrous come from?
From Middle French nitreux, and its source, Latin nitrōsus (“nitrose”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with nitrous
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of nitrous.
Questions about saying nitrous
How do you pronounce nitrous?
Say NIT-rus. The American pronunciation is /ˈnɪtrəs/. In British English it is /ˈnɪtrəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nitrous?
Nitrous has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NIT). Broken into parts: NIT · rus.
Do Americans and Brits say nitrous the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈnɪtrəs/ and the British form is /ˈnɪtrəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.