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

As levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide skyrocketed, for the first time, emergency messaging directly appealed to citizens via television, radio, and print media to reduce energy consumption and automobile use. — Rebecca Florsheim, STAT, 17 July 2026

Drone mapping system for volcanic eruptions Volcanoes release massive amounts of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide as rising magma experiences a drop in pressure. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026

Festering below, stagnant water emanates the telltale smell of rotten eggs, likely a mix of methane and sulfur dioxide. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Jupiter’s moon Io also produces dramatic volcanic plumes composed of sulfur dioxide. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 26 May 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