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laughing (n.)
mid-14c., verbal noun from laugh (v.). Laughing matter (usually with negative) is from 1560s. Nitrous oxide has been called laughing gas since 1842 (for its exhilarating effects). Humphry Davy, experimenting with the gas, discovered these as far back as 1779: "When I took the bag from my mouth, I immediately laughed. The laughter was involuntary, but highly pleasurable, accompanied by a thrill all through me."
updated on September 23, 2020
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Dictionary entries near laughing
laudator temporis acti
laudatory
lauds
laugh
laughable
laughing
laughing-stock
Laughlin
laughter
launch
launder