aerosol

[air-uh-sawl, -sol]

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.

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

/ 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

aerosol

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerosol¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aerosol¹

C20: from _aero- + _sol ( _ution )

Example Sentences

His addiction began with cannabis when he was a teenager and progressed to using aerosols and eventually heroin.

From BBC

But after she started using a new bottle of the firm's aerosol powder fresh deodorant in July, she developed an itchy red rash around her armpits and says she "started smelling really bad".

From BBC

One such suggestion is releasing tiny, reflective particles called aerosols high into the atmosphere to cool the planet.

From BBC

He was carrying a rucksack with an airgun that he planned to use to keep worshippers inside the building after he set it on fire using aerosol cans.

From BBC

Liquids, which include creams, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols, can be taken through in containers of up to 100ml in volume without using a plastic bag.

From BBC

Related Words

• sprayer www.thesaurus.com
• sprinkler