Nitrogen

(nitro-jen.) [Gr. nitron, nitre; gen nao, I produce.) (Chem.) An elementary gas, which forms about four-fifths of our atmosphere, the remaining fifth being oxygen. The two are mechanically mixed, not chemically combined. It is invisible and elastic. It immediately extinguishes animal life, whence its name azote. It cannot support combustion, and a lighted candle immediately ceases to burn when placed in it. It has no taste. It is absorbed very sparingly by water, and is a little lighter than atmospheric air, its sp. gr. being 9713. It is capable of combining with oxygen, and with different proportions of this substance forms gaseous oxide of azote or nitrous oxide, nitric oxide, hypo nitrous acid, nitrous acid, and nitric acid. Combined with hydrogen, it forms ammonia; and it enters into the composition of most animal substances. Symbol N. [s. 648]