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

Pollution from those plants, like hydrogen fluoride and sulfur dioxide, lingered near ground level for five days. —Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025

As a result, power generators have been able to reduce their emissions of dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury. —David J. Vogel, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025

Just five miles away is a functional oil refinery that generates particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. —Cyrus Farivar, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

The contaminant was identified as less than 500 pounds of sulfur dioxide, a gaseous air pollutant associated with respiratory issues and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. —Chase Hunter, The Mercury News, 7 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