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

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

An overflight on March 7 measured about 450 metric tons per day of sulfur dioxide from Mount Spurr's summit vent -- an increase from less than 50 metric tons in December, according to the observatory. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025

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

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