acid rain

American  

[as-id reyn] / ˈæs ɪd ˈreɪn /

noun

1. precipitation, as rain, snow, or sleet, containing relatively high concentrations of acid-forming chemicals, as the pollutants from coal smoke, chemical manufacturing, and smelting, that have been released into the atmosphere and combined with water vapor: harmful to the environment.

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acid rain British  

noun

1. rain that contains a high concentration of pollutants, chiefly sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil

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acid rain Cultural  

1. A type of precipitation made up of dilute acids, primarily a by-product of heavy industry.

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Discover More

Acid rain is a result of the combination of water with chemicals released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels.

Etymology

Origin of acid rain

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Similar side effects could result from artificial sulfate releases, including acid rain and soil contamination.

From Science Daily

“Blade Runner” — “the official nightmare of Los Angeles,” according to filmmaker and critic Thom Andersen — depicts a dark, heavily polluted urban center with flying vehicles and residents drenched in a constant downpour of acid rain.

From Los Angeles Times

Environmental Protection Agency is through the Clean Air Act, which does regulate sulfur dioxide as a pollutant and as a contributor to acid rain.

From Salon

“At that time, people were concerned about acid rain.”

From New York Times

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

Related Words

• carbon dioxide
• fog
• smoke
• soot