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emission

ih-MISH-un /ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/

nounB2IELTSTOEFL

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The production and discharge of something, especially gas, radiation, or waste into the atmosphere.

Often used in the plural ('emissions') to refer to greenhouse gas pollutants released by human activities.

The story behind the word. From Latin 'emissio', from 'emittere' (to send forth), created from 'ex-' (out) and 'mittere' (to send). Modern environmental usage emerged in the mid-20th century with the study of exhaust fumes and industrial smokestacks.

Word relationships

discharge: Discharge often refers to liquid or industrial effluent release, whereas emission commonly refers to gas or light.
release: Release is a general term, whereas emission implies continuous or systematic discharge.

absorption: Absorption is taking in matter or energy rather than discharging it.

Commonly confused with

omission: Omission means leaving something out, while emission means releasing something out.

Word family

emit (verb): To send out or discharge gas, heat, light, or sound.
emissive (adjective): Having the capacity to emit.

Collocations

carbon emission
zero emission
emission standards
reduce emissions

Idioms & expressions

net-zero emissions

Example sentences

"Global greenhouse gas emission levels must drop dramatically to prevent severe climate impacts." Climate science
"Strict vehicle emission standards forced manufacturers to adopt advanced catalytic converters and electric motors." Transportation policy

Memory hook

E-MISSION = Gas sent OUT on a MISSION into the air. Sending gas out into the world.

When not to use

Do not use to describe physical intake or absorption; emission strictly refers to sending outward.

Fun facts

Methane emission has over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere.