aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈer-ə-ˌsäl  -ˌsȯl 

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

Smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols.

airborne aerosol transmission of infective viral particles

also, aerosols plural : the fine particles of an aerosol

stratospheric aerosols

2

: a substance (such as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this

Examples of aerosol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Scientists have discussed the possibility of spraying aerosols into the atmosphere which would reflect light and therefore prevent warming. —Devika Rao, theweek, 20 June 2024

These went into effect recently and have cut down on the emission of aerosols by cargo vessels, reducing the amount of sunlight that's reflected back to space. —John Timmer, Ars Technica, 6 June 2024

Here are some of the most effective ways to kill bed bugs, from the Arizona Department of Agriculture: Pesticides: Insecticides formulated for bed bug control come in the form of sprays or aerosols. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 29 May 2024

Of course, there are other important reasons to swap out aerosols, too. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

aero- + -sol (in hydrosol)

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

: a mixture of fine solid or liquid particles and gas

smoke and fog are aerosols

Medical Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols

2

: a substance (as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this