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

Coal was the dominant source of electricity production, the burning of which reduced air quality due to high levels of sulfur dioxide and particulates emitted during production and use, Gerard said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025

These rules targeted key culprits: lead, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – substances that contribute to asthma, heart disease and premature deaths. —Richard E. Peltier, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025

While the lava flow can remain within the safety of the caldera, the sulfur dioxide gas released by the eruption can cause issues for those near the volcano. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

Safety hazards for those near the eruption include high levels of volcanic gas, primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 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