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

Plus, scientists are still studying the effects of events like the January 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption, which introduced vast quantities of water vapor and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. —Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 16 Jan. 2025

The burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities is the largest source of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025

Volcanic gas includes sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide. —Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 27 Dec. 2024

High-altitude dispersal of ash and sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere led to optical phenomena around the globe. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 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