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

Anchorage saw 3-5 millimeters of ash fall across multiple blasts from Spurr that sent ash and volcanic aerosols over 60,000 feet (19,000 meters) into the atmosphere. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024

Their hair has been frozen in aerosol since the Reagen administration. —Mattie Kahn, Vogue, 18 July 2024

The virus can be transmitted through aerosols, particles smaller than droplets that can suspend the air for long periods of time. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 4 Oct. 2024

That agency then handles those items accordingly and, in some cases, will auction them off. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are thrown away. —Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 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