sulfur dioxide

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, nonflammable, water-soluble, suffocating gas, SO 2 , formed when sulfur burns: used chiefly in the manufacture of chemicals such as sulfuric acid, in preserving fruits and vegetables, and in bleaching, disinfecting, and fumigating.

sulfur dioxide

1. A colorless, poisonous gas or liquid with a strong odor. It is formed naturally by volcanic activity, and is a waste gas produced by burning coal and oil and by many industrial processes, such as smelting. It is also a hazardous air pollutant and a major contributor to acid rain. Chemical formula: SO 2 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of sulfur dioxide¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Their flare systems alone are permitted to torch flammable gases and emit tens of thousands of pounds of noxious sulfur dioxide emissions to avoid pent-up pressure during oil refining.

From Los Angeles Times

Because aerosol particles like sulfate and their precursors like sulfur dioxide reflect sunlight and help make clouds brighter, removing them means more of the sun's heat hits the ground.

From Science Daily

The team also measured sulfur dioxide, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide -- and found WASP-107 b has more heavy elements than Uranus and Neptune.

From Science Daily

Part of the reason for concern is that when sulfur dioxide leaves the stratosphere and sinks into the lower atmosphere, it can potentially fall as acid rain.

From Los Angeles Times

According to PSE, the flare is intended to convert virtually all of the sulfur compounds to sulfur dioxide.

From Seattle Times