aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈer-ə-ˌsäl  -ˌsȯl 

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

Smoke, fog, and mist are aerosols.

airborne aerosol transmission of infective viral particles

also, aerosols plural : the fine particles of an aerosol

stratospheric aerosols

2

: a substance (such as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this

Examples of aerosol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For decades, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting compounds were widely used in aerosol sprays, foams, air conditioners, and refrigerators, causing significant reductions in ozone levels. — Dan Peck, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

The report also identifies the risks associated with applying PP through spraying, which potentially exposes workers to airborne aerosols and chemical residues. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026

According to the American Lung Association, the aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains fine chemical particles, heavy metals such as nickel and lead, and organic compounds. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Beyond keeping sweat in check, the aerosol formula helps leave underarms feeling soft and comfortable with sunflower seed oil. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

aero- + -sol (in hydrosol)

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aerosol

• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• cortisol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol
• guaiacol

Kids Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

: a mixture of fine solid or liquid particles and gas

smoke and fog are aerosols

Medical Definition

aerosol

noun

aero·​sol ˈar-ə-ˌsäl  ˈer- 

-ˌsȯl

1

: a suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in gas

… several respiratory pathogens are known to spread through small respiratory aerosols, which can float and travel in air flows, infecting people who inhale them …

—Chia C. Wang et al., Science

2

: a substance (as an insecticide or medicine) dispensed from a pressurized container as an aerosol

also : the container for this