emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmi-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of emitting : emanation

b

archaic : publication

c

: a putting into circulation

2

a

: something sent forth by emitting: such as

(1)

: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body

(2)

usually emissions : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)

b

: effluvium

emissive

ē-ˈmi-siv 

adjective

Examples of emission in a Sentence

trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases

Recent Examples on the Web

EVs are intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. —Bill Koenig, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

State of play: One of the biggest fights is over Initiative 2117, which would repeal the state's cap-and-trade law that places a price on carbon emissions. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Since 2016, the city has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 28% and is on track to reach 65% by 2030. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Nov. 2024

Researchers estimate turkey is responsible for almost two-thirds of the emissions produced by the entire meal. —London Gibson, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing emission

• acoustic emission
• positron-emission tomography
• re-emission
• secondary emission

Kids Definition

emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən 

1

: an act or instance of emitting

2

: something emitted or discharged

emissive

ē-ˈmis-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən 

1

: an act or instance of emitting

2

a

: something sent forth by emitting: as

(1)

: electrons discharged from a surface

(2)

: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body

(3)

: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)

b

: a discharge of fluid from a living body

especially : ejaculate see nocturnal emission