emission
ih-MISH-uhn
/ɪˈmɪʃən/
The act of producing and releasing a substance into the environment, or the released substance itself (such as gas or radiation).
Often refers to industrial or vehicular output sent out into the atmosphere.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'emittere' (to send forth or shoot out), combining 'e-' (out) and 'mittere' (to send). In physics and environmental studies, it came to mean the discharge of gas, radiation, or light.
Word relationships
- discharge: 'Discharge' often refers to liquid waste or electric release, while 'emission' commonly implies airborne gas or heat.
- effluent: 'Effluent' strictly refers to liquid waste discharged into rivers or seas.
- absorption: Absorption takes substances in, whereas emission releases them outward.
Commonly confused with
- omission: Omission means leaving something out; emission means sending something out.
Word family
- emit (verb): To discharge or send forth.
- emitter (noun): An entity or device that releases emissions.
Collocations
- carbon emissions
- exhaust emission
- reduce emissions
- emission standards
Idioms & expressions
- zero emissions
Example sentences
- "A dramatic reduction in carbon dioxide emission is necessary to stabilize global surface temperatures." Climate Policy
- "Strict regulations forced automobile manufacturers to lower exhaust emissions from diesel engines." Automotive Engineering
Memory hook
E-MISSION: sending a substance out on a mission into the atmosphere. Emission = Sending out gas or radiation.
When not to use
Do not use for solid garbage thrown into landfills; emissions are discharged outward into fluids or air.
Fun facts
- Volcanoes emit more sulfur dioxide during a single major eruption than many industrial nations do in an entire year.
Explore more words
pollutant, effluent, output, mitigation, footprint, production
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