emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmi-shən 

1

a

: an act or instance of emitting : emanation

b

archaic : publication

c

: a putting into circulation

2

a

: something sent forth by emitting: such as

(1)

: electromagnetic radiation from an antenna or a celestial body

(2)

usually emissions : substances discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile engine)

b

: effluvium

emissive

ē-ˈmi-siv 

adjective

Examples of emission in a Sentence

trying to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases

Recent Examples on the Web

By tackling landfill methane—one of the largest contributors to global warming—the technology represents a significant advancement in reducing emissions and promoting a circular, low-carbon energy future. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025

One of the most potent greenhouse gas emissions has been discovered seeping out of cracks of the Antarctic seafloor, researchers announced. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2025

There has been little evidence that boards are prioritizing water strategies, with just 5% of large global companies putting an internal shadow price on their water use, compared to the close to 25% that use an internal price for carbon emissions. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025

Ciavatta said Pindorama has been offsetting its entire carbon footprint since 2007, compensating 100% of its emissions through the reforestation of river basins in partnership with the SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation. —Marcelo Cajueiro, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing emission

• acoustic emission
• positron-emission tomography
• re-emission
• secondary emission

Rhymes for emission

• addition
• admission
• ambition
• attrition
• audition
• clinician
• cognition
• coition
• commission
• condition
• contrition
• dentition

Kids Definition

emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən 

1

: an act or instance of emitting

2

: something emitted or discharged

emissive

ē-ˈmis-iv 

adjective

Medical Definition

emission

noun

emis·​sion ē-ˈmish-ən 

1

: an act or instance of emitting

2

a

: something sent forth by emitting: as

(1)

: electrons discharged from a surface

(2)

: electromagnetic waves radiated by an antenna or a celestial body

(3)

: substances and especially pollutants discharged into the air (as by a smokestack or an automobile gasoline engine)

b

: a discharge of fluid from a living body

especially : ejaculate see nocturnal emission