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

High levels of volcanic gas -- including water vapor, carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide -- is a major hazard of concern. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2025

First, Adofo-Mensah traded sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025

However, county officials said soot and sulfur dioxide levels remained below federal standards for unhealthy air. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 11 Aug. 2025

The law and subsequent amendments in the following decades began reducing sulfur dioxide emissions and other toxic pollutants. —Aubrey Hillman, The Conversation, 8 Aug. 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