acid rain

noun

: rain that has increased acidity caused by environmental factors (such as atmospheric pollutants)

Examples of acid rain in a Sentence

trees damaged by acid rain
Recent Examples on the Web Volcanic ash can bury crops, damage livestock health, contaminate soil, and poison water supplies, while SO2 mixes with water vapor to form sulfuric acid, contributing to acid rain, which damages vegetation, soils, and water bodies. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024 Frontier View 2 Images A technique originally developed to combat acid rain has the potential to pull an enormous amount of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere – while helping to deacidify oceans, restore rivers and boost biodiversity and fish populations. New Atlas, 24 Sep. 2024 The problem of acid rain began well over a century ago, but sulfur dioxide levels grew quickly after World War II. Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 The federal government used it to phase out leaded gasoline starting in the 1980s and to combat acid rain, an effect of power plant emissions, starting in the early 1990s. Jeffrey Ball, Foreign Affairs, 14 June 2018 See all Example Sentences for acid rain 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'acid rain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acid rain was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near acid rain

Cite this Entry

“Acid rain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acid%20rain. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

acid rain

noun
: rain with increased acidity that is caused by environmental factors (as atmospheric pollutants)

Medical Definition

acid rain

noun
: acid precipitation especially in the form of rain

More from Merriam-Webster on acid rain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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