aerosol
[ air-uh-sawl, -sol ]
/ ˈɛər əˌsɔl, -ˌsɒl /
noun
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.
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.
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.
adjective
of or containing a liquid or gas under pressure for dispensing as a spray or foam: a deodorant available in aerosol cans.
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Words nearby aerosol
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for aerosol
British Dictionary definitions for aerosol
aerosol
/ (ˈɛərəˌsɒl) /
noun
a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog
a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure
Also called: air spray such a substance together with its container
Word Origin for aerosol
C20: from aero- + sol (ution)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for aerosol
aerosol
[ âr′ə-sôl′ ]
n.
A gaseous suspension of fine solid or liquid particles.
A substance, such as a drug containing therapeutically active ingredients, packaged under pressure with a gaseous propellant for release as a spray of fine particles.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for aerosol
aerosol
[ âr′ə-sôl′ ]
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. Compare emulsion foam.
A liquid substance, such as paint, an insecticide, or a hair spray, packaged under pressure for use or application as a fine spray.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.