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 co-founders picked up shop and tried it again in Nevada, grilling fungicide in a parking lot to create the sulfur dioxide gas. —Justine Calma, The Verge, 11 June 2024

In January 2020, the International Maritime Organization substantially reduced the amount of harmful sulfur dioxide content allowed in shipping fuel. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2024

These calculations are based on the pollutants the EPA detects in the air, including the concentrations of ozone, particulate matter (PM 2.5), carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. —Li Zhou, Vox, 14 May 2024

The Mohave Energy Park is also expected to produce much less sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide — compared with energy generation from coal or diesel. —Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

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