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

According to Volcano Discovery, observations of the eruption also confirmed the release of a sulfur dioxide cloud. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025

Satellite images and data captured by Planet Labs showed a dramatic column of ash and sulfur dioxide rising up to 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) above the surface. —Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2025

In a major eruption, millions of tons of sulfur dioxide get thrown up into the stratosphere. —Elizabeth Kolbert, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025

That’s because when high-altitude clouds of sulfur dioxide eventually form sulfuric acid, the resulting acid rain will help destroy the forests, jungles, crops, tigers, penguins, and reindeer that SAI was supposed to protect. —New Atlas, 4 Nov. 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