smog

American  

[smog, smawg] / smɒg, smɔg /

noun

1. smoke or other atmospheric pollutants combined with fog in an unhealthy or irritating mixture.

2. photochemical smog.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover or envelop with or as if with smog.

smog British  

/ smɒɡ /

noun

1. a mixture of smoke, fog, and chemical fumes

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smog Scientific  

/ smŏg /

1. A form of air pollution produced by the reaction of sunlight with hydrocarbons, nitrogen compounds, and other gases primarily released in automobile exhaust. Smog is common in large urban areas, especially during hot, sunny weather, where it appears as a brownish haze that can irritate the eyes and lungs. Ozone, a toxic gas that is not normally produced at lower atmospheric levels, is one of the primary pollutants created in this kind of smog.

2. Also called photochemical smog

3. Fog that has become polluted with smoke and particulates, especially from burning coal.

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smog Cultural  

1. A haze or fog composed of water vapor, complex molecules, and suspended particles.

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Discover More

In North America, the primary cause of smog is pollution from automobile exhaust.

The Los Angeles basin, where pollutants can be trapped by inversions and the surrounding mountains, has frequent problems with smog, as do other major urban areas.

The word smog is a combination of smoke and fog.

Other Word Forms

• desmog verb (used with object)
• smoggy adjective
• smogless adjective

Etymology

Origin of smog

1900–05; sm(oke) + ( f)og ¹

Example Sentences

Gas plumes from extraction activities reacted in the lower atmosphere, increasing acidity and producing harmful compounds and smog, Fuentes said.

From Science Daily

In Delhi's annual winter of discontent, toxic smog left children and the elderly gasping, with doctors advising some to leave the city.

From BBC

A finance specialist who struggled after running in smog and a doctor who fears for the health of his children are among the activists spearheading landmark air pollution legislation in Thailand despite political uncertainty.

From Barron's

Each winter, New Delhi is shrouded in toxic smog, as cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly mix of emissions from traffic, factories, and crop-burning.

From Barron's

Acrid smog blankets Delhi's skyline each winter, when cooler air traps pollutants close to the ground, creating a deadly mix of emissions from crop burning, factories and heavy traffic.

From Barron's

Related Words

• acid rain
• carbon dioxide
• fog
• smoke
• soot