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

Typically, volcanic eruptions cool the Earth's surface by emitting sulfur dioxide, which transforms into sunlight-reflecting aerosols. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 9 Jan. 2025

There are five pollutants evaluated as part of the index: ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. —CBS News, 8 Jan. 2025

However, anytime there is a new eruption there is copious gas emissions and that sulfur dioxide can form volcanic fog (vog) that is a breathing hazard for people too close to the eruption. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 23 Dec. 2024

Carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos and heavy metals are a few of the toxins being released into the atmosphere. —Jessica Ourisman, Forbes, 18 Jan. 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