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

But the hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide produced in that period don’t usually stick around for five billion years. —K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 11 May 2026

Freeport spent $250 million on improvements completed in 2017 to better control sulfur dioxide emissions. —Mark Olalde, ProPublica, 8 May 2026

However, such activity is known to release gases such as carbon dioxide or sulfur dioxide, which were not detected by MIRI, the study notes. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 4 May 2026

Air-quality monitors around the refinery did not record elevated amounts of sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide or particulate matter, Malloy said. —Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026

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