-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
sulfur dioxide
noun
: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas
Examples of sulfur dioxide in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The molten sulfur burned for 24 hours, covering the nearby town of Livingston, population 200, with toxic levels of sulfur dioxide, NBC News later reported.
—Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2024
Research shows that the huge 1991 Mount Pinatubo volcanic eruption in the Philippines, which lofted about 20 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere, ended up exacerbating drought in parts of the world as well as reducing ozone levels by a small percentage.
—Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 24 Sep. 2024
As damage to forests and lakes worsened across Europe, countries signed international agreements starting in the 1980s to cut their sulfur dioxide emissions.
—Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024
Injecting particles in the atmosphere attempts to recreate the way erupting volcanoes can temporarily cool the planet by releasing sulfur dioxide.
—Justine Calma, The Verge, 12 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sulfur dioxide
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sulfur dioxide.' 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
1869, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near sulfur dioxide
Cite this Entry
“Sulfur dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sulfur%20dioxide. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
sulfur dioxide
noun
: a heavy strong-smelling gas that is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, in preserving things, and as a refrigerant and that is a major substance in air pollution especially in industrial areas
Medical Definition
sulfur dioxide
noun
: a heavy pungent toxic gas SO2 that is easily condensed to a colorless liquid, is used especially in making sulfuric acid, in bleaching, as a preservative, and as a refrigerant, and is a major air pollutant especially in industrial areas
More from Merriam-Webster on sulfur dioxide
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sulfur dioxide
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share