emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
a
: an act or instance of emitting : emanation
b
archaic : publication
c
: a putting into circulation
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: such as
(1)
: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body
(2)
usually emissions : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)
b
emissive adjective

Examples of emission in a Sentence

trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases
Recent Examples on the Web Planet-warming emissions are wreaking havoc on temperature and precipitation, resulting in larger and more frequent fires. Eric Zerkel, CNN, 21 Mar. 2024 That's about four times the total emissions of the transportation sector as of 2021. Kelly Livingston, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2024 Rather, Harrison argues, the aim is to buy time while countries bring emissions down. Sabrina Weiss, WIRED, 20 Mar. 2024 Requiring steeper cuts in emissions would essentially force the auto industry to sell more EVs with zero tailpipe emissions in order to comply with the standards. Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 19 Mar. 2024 While some PHEVs do deliver significant emission reductions, many do not, and their inappropriate categorization distorts public perceptions about the relative merits of the major green powertrains. Peter Douglas, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Regulators said the ads were false and misleading – and pointed out that air travel produces high levels of both carbon dioxide and non-CO2 emissions. Christopher Elliott, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2024 In response to questions from ProPublica, Brown said that the news organizations’ joint investigation into industrial emissions and cancer risk played a role in the final rules. Alejandra Martinez, ProPublica, 15 Mar. 2024 Patagonia Mayor Andrea Wood said the town does not support the permit, noting its lack of emissions data. Sarah Lapidus, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'emission.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of emission was in 1607

Dictionary Entries Near emission

Cite this Entry

“Emission.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emission. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
: something emitted or discharged
emissive adjective

Medical Definition

emission

noun
emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən How to pronounce emission (audio)
1
: an act or instance of emitting
2
a
: something sent forth by emitting: as
(1)
: electrons discharged from a surface
(2)
: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body
(3)
: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)
b
: a discharge of fluid from a living body
especially : ejaculate see nocturnal emission
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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