ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

2

: pure and refreshing air

relished the ozone of morning

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzä- 

adjective

Examples of ozone in a Sentence

Scientists are concerned about ozone depletion.

A light breeze filled the rooms of our seaside cottage with ozone.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additional data comes from weather balloons launched from the South Pole Baseline Atmospheric Observatory, which recorded the lowest ozone concentration of 109 Dobson units on October 5. —Tom Howarth follow, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

The largest impacts of ozone on air quality are expected to come in the afternoon and early evening. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 20 Sep. 2024

To help reduce ozone formation, the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency recommends taking the following actions: Take the bus, carpool, bike, or walk instead of drive. —Aaron Valdez, The Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2024

These costs manifest in various forms, from the extensive use of nitrogen fertilizers, which emit nitrous oxide—a potent greenhouse gas that depletes stratospheric ozone—to the vast swaths of farmland and native habitats converted into biofuel production sites. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ozone

• ozone-friendly
• ozone hole
• ozone layer

Kids Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

1

: a form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating sharp-smelling gas containing three atoms per molecule, and that is used especially in disinfecting, deodorizing, and bleaching

2

: pure and refreshing air

Medical Definition

ozone

noun

ˈō-ˌzōn 

: a triatomic very reactive form of oxygen that is a bluish irritating gas of pungent odor, that is formed naturally in the atmosphere by a photochemical reaction and is a major air pollutant in the lower atmosphere but a beneficial component of the upper atmosphere, and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing

ozonic

ō-ˈzō-nik  -ˈzän-ik 

adjective