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

Flaring that was needed for safety workers to respond to the unplanned shutdown of the refinery also caused more than 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide to be released, the company said. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025

The problem of acid rain began well over a century ago, but sulfur dioxide levels grew quickly after World War II. —Alexander E. Gates, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024

Burning coal and natural gas releases heat-trapping CO2 and emits particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide, contributing to respiratory illnesses and heart disease. —Ken Silverstein, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Within the ominous black smoke pouring out of the white tower lies millions of annual pounds of nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrochloric acid, carbon monoxide, soot and more. —Lisa Boyd, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sulfur dioxide

• acetamide
• acetonide
• acidified
• antimonide
• beatified
• benzaldehyde
• borohydride
• chalcogenide
• commodified
• decalcified
• declassified
• disaccharide

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