aerosol

American  

[air-uh-sawl, -sol] / ˈɛər əˌsɔl, -ˌsɒl /

noun

1. Physical Chemistry. a system of colloidal particles dispersed in a gas and commonly formed as smoke, fog, mist, haze, or smog.

   a radioactive aerosol;

   aerosols in the stratosphere.

2. a liquid substance, as a disinfectant or deodorant, sealed in a metal container under pressure with an inert gas or other activating agent and released as a spray or foam through a push-button valve or nozzle.

   an aerosol for cleaning ovens.

3. Physiology, Pathology. a mist that lingers in the air, composed of fine particles (less than 5 micrometers in diameter) that form from the evaporation of respiratory droplets (5–10 micrometers in diameter) released into the air through talking, breathing, singing, whistling, coughing, sneezing, etc..

   Recommended precautions against virus-laden aerosols vary according to the type of virus.

4. aerosol bomb.

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adjective

1. of or containing a liquid or gas under pressure for dispensing as a spray or foam.

   a deodorant available in aerosol cans.

aerosol British  

/ ˈɛərəˌsɒl /

noun

1. a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog

2. a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure

3. Also called: air spray.  such a substance together with its container

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aerosol Scientific  

/ âr′ə-sôl′ /

1. A substance consisting of very fine particles of a liquid or solid suspended in a gas. Mist, which consists of very fine droplets of water in air, is an aerosol.

2. Compare emulsion foam

3. A liquid substance, such as paint, an insecticide, or a hair spray, packaged under pressure for use or application as a fine spray.

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Etymology

Origin of aerosol

First recorded in 1920–25; aero- + sol ⁴

Example Sentences

The study, published in Journal of Fluid Mechanics Rapids, updates a formula that is more than 100 years old and addresses a major gap in aerosol science.

From Science Daily

That earlier study identified several key drivers, including shrinking snow and ice cover, rising atmospheric moisture, and the influence of aerosol pollutants.

From Science Daily

Geoengineering experiments to reduce the Earth’s temperature with aerosols and modify ocean acidity are gathering pace.

From The Wall Street Journal

Theories include changes to clouds and tiny particles called aerosols, which appear to be reflecting less of the Sun's energy back into space.

From BBC

In addition, samples collected from deposition contained more unevenly mixed plastic particles than those taken from aerosols or resuspended dust.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• sprayer
• sprinkler