ozone layer

noun

: an atmospheric layer at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most solar ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

Examples of ozone layer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In recent years, however, the ozone layer that protects the Earth from harmful sun rays has been deteriorating, and higher UVI measures are being recorded. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 14 July 2025 The ozone layer is healing due to countries phasing out CFCs, but rocket launches could slow its recovery if the space industry continues growing, Radio New Zealand reports. ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025 This new model revealed that a sudden burst of high-energy photons, the particles of light, from a supernova would eat away at Earth's ozone layer. Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 June 2025 The team suggested a supernova may have stripped the ozone layer that shields the Earth from damaging radiation, resulting in a chain of events that could cause a mass extinction. Katie Hunt, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ozone layer

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ozone layer was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Ozone layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ozone%20layer. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ozone layer

noun
: a layer of the earth's atmosphere at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

More from Merriam-Webster on ozone layer

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