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thermal pollution
noun
: the discharge of heated liquid (such as wastewater from a factory) into natural waters at a temperature harmful to the environment
Examples of thermal pollution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The researchers say underground climate change has been linked to shifts in plant growth and thermal pollution of groundwaters.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 July 2023
One form of pollution is thermal pollution, Whittie said.
—Erika Butler, baltimoresun.com, 27 Nov. 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1966, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of thermal pollution was
in 1966
Dictionary Entries Near thermal pollution
Cite this Entry
“Thermal pollution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thermal%20pollution. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
thermal pollution
noun
: the release of heated liquid (as water used by a factory) into a natural body of water at a temperature harmful to the environment
More from Merriam-Webster on thermal pollution
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thermal pollution
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