laughing gas

English[edit]

From its euphoric effects. Coined by British chemist Humphry Davy in 1799.

laughing gas (uncountable)

Nitrous oxide, especially when used as an anaesthetic.
- 1913, Arthur Conan Doyle, “(please specify the page)”, in The Poison Belt […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC:
  "You know how matters stand, dear," said he. "I have explained it also to our friends here. You're not afraid are you?" "It won't be painful, George?" "No more than laughing-gas at the dentist's."
- ETSC’s Belgian member VIAS institute is calling for the development of a breath test to detect when a driver has consumed nitrous oxide, known as ‘laughing gas’.
  Call for breath tests to detect drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide, ETSC, 20 February 2024

common name for nitrous oxide