sulfur dioxide

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, nonflammable, water-soluble, suffocating gas, SO 2 , formed when sulfur burns: used chiefly in the manufacture of chemicals such as sulfuric acid, in preserving fruits and vegetables, and in bleaching, disinfecting, and fumigating.

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sulfur dioxide Scientific  

1. A colorless, poisonous gas or liquid with a strong odor. It is formed naturally by volcanic activity, and is a waste gas produced by burning coal and oil and by many industrial processes, such as smelting. It is also a hazardous air pollutant and a major contributor to acid rain. Chemical formula: SO ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of sulfur dioxide

First recorded in 1865–70

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sulfur dioxide

Another is an atmosphere dominated by sulfur dioxide, a gas released by volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 27, 2026

But modern gas generators produce upward of 90% less fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide than a steel mill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

The agency also refused to assign any benefits to the reduction of pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

From Slate ● Aug. 2, 2026

Freeport spent $250 million on improvements completed in 2017 to better control sulfur dioxide emissions.

From Salon ● May 10, 2026

The pungent gas, sulfur dioxide, S02, is present in trace amounts in the lower atmosphere.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

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