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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
In 2022, a company called Make Sunsets began doing small launches, deploying biodegradable balloons full of helium and sulfur dioxide that burst in the stratosphere.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2024
Thankfully, there has been only one death from a worker falling into a crack while two other people have been injured from inhaling sulfur dioxide gas and unauthorized hiking onto the lava fields at night.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024
Wildfire smoke contains chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and even lead.
—Ian Rose, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Sep. 2024
However, some raisins are processed with preservatives like sulfur dioxide.
—Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 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 5 Nov. 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
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