ozone layer

noun

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Definition of ozone layer

: an atmospheric layer at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most solar ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

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Recent Examples of ozone layer from the Web

And all that loose chlorine was tearing up the ozone layer, ripping up the chemical bonds of high-flying molecules that protect Earth’s surface from ultraviolet radiation.

— rafi letzter, Scientific American, "Earth’s Ozone Layer is Under Attack—Again," 22 May 2018
Youngblood points out that their modeling assumes the flares from the star include powerful events called coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which would have a more destructive effect on a planet's magnetic fields and ozone layer.

— john wenz, Popular Mechanics, "An Ultra-Powerful Flare Erupted From Our Nearest Neighbor Star," 10 Apr. 2018
The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects animal and plant life on Earth from powerful UV rays.

— james griffiths, CNN, "Ozone-destroying emissions are on the rise and scientists don't know why," 16 May 2018
Whoever is doing this is violating international law and potentially delaying the recovery of the ozone layer by decades.

— avery thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Is Someone Still Producing Ozone-Killing Chemicals In Secret?," 16 May 2018
That keeps the hole in the ozone layer on track to shrink over the coming decades.

— scott k. johnson, Ars Technica, "It seems someone is producing a banned ozone-depleting chemical again," 16 May 2018
His specialties as a meteorologist included climate variability, stratospheric processes and the ozone layer.

— Washington Post, "The story must be told.," 7 Mar. 2018
During this time, the market was shifting dramatically away from CFCs over concern about the chemicals harming the ozone layer.

— kelsey kloss, ELLE Decor, "Home Fragrances: A Brief History, From Ancient Egypt To Today," 5 Aug. 2016
However, it is also classified as a hydro-chlorofluorocarbon, which has been associated with ozone layer depletion.

— brian sodoma, azcentral, "Your home AC unit: What you must know about R-22 and R-410A refrigerants," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ozone layer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ozone layer

1927

in the meaning defined above

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OZONE LAYER Defined for English Language Learners

ozone layer

noun

Definition of ozone layer for English Language Learners

: a layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere that prevents dangerous radiation from the Sun from reaching the surface of the Earth

OZONE LAYER Defined for Kids

ozone layer

noun

Definition of ozone layer for Students

: a layer of the earth's upper atmosphere that is characterized by high ozone content which blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from entering the lower atmosphere