aerosol
AIR-uh-sol
/ˈeərəˌsɒl/
A substance enclosed under pressure and able to be released as a fine spray; also, a suspension of fine solid particles or liquid droplets in air or another gas.
In climate science, aerosols (like sea salt or smoke) are key because they can reflect sunlight and cool the planet, or absorb it and warm the planet.
The story behind the word. A 20th-century scientific term. It was modeled on 'hydrosol' (a solution in water), replacing water with air.
Word relationships
- spray: Spray is the action or the liquid; aerosol is the technical term for the gas-liquid mixture.
Commonly confused with
- gas: A gas is a state of matter; an aerosol is a mixture of solid/liquid particles suspended in a gas.
Word family
- aerosolize (verb): To convert into an aerosol.
Collocations
- aerosol spray
- atmospheric aerosol
- aerosol can
Example sentences
- "Volcanic eruptions release massive amounts of sulfate aerosols into the upper atmosphere, which can temporarily cool the Earth." Climate change explanation.
- "The use of aerosol sprays containing CFCs was banned to protect the ozone layer." Household product warning.
Memory hook
Aero (Air) + Sol (Solution). A solution that lives in the air. Floating spray.
When not to use
Don't just think of spray cans; in environmental science, clouds and smoke are also aerosols.
Fun facts
- Hairspray is an aerosol, but so is the mist coming off a crashing ocean wave.
Related words
Explore more words
aerosolize, particulate, smog, emission, Atmosphere, inversion
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