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

Avian flu can be transmitted by fomites (contaminated surfaces), droplets, and aerosols. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

Then, researchers used an optical aerosol spectrometer and a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer to measure the concentrations of two key indoor air pollutants: particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). —Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

Major sources of ozone-depleting CFCs include coolants used in refrigerators and air conditioners, along with aerosols found in products like hair spray, antiperspirants and spray paints. —Tom Howarth follow, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

The aerosol can also contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals and ultrafine particles that are damaging when inhaled deeply. —Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 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