noun

aerosol

EH-uh-ruh-sol

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Aerosol (noun) means Tiny particles of liquid or solid suspended in a gas, such as air. Example: “Wildfire smoke fills the air with harmful aerosols.”

noun

Tiny particles of liquid or solid suspended in a gas, such as air.

"Wildfire smoke fills the air with harmful aerosols."

A pressurized can that sprays out a fine mist.

"She grabbed an aerosol of hairspray from the bathroom cabinet."

verb

To spray something using an aerosol can.

"He aerosoled the plant leaves with a light mist of water."

How to use aerosol

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFine particles suspended in air, or the spray can that produces them.

Common pairings

aerosol can aerosol spray aerosol particles

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: aerosols
Third person singular: aerosols
Past tense: aerosoled, aerosolled

Test yourself on “aerosol” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Wildfire smoke fills the air with harmful _____.

Etymology

From aero- ("air") plus sol, short for "solution," describing particles dispersed in gas.

Synonyms

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spray can aerosol can aerosol bomb aerosol container

Frequently asked questions

What does “aerosol” mean?

The word “aerosol” means tiny particles of liquid or solid suspended in a gas, such as air. In plain terms, fine particles suspended in air, or the spray can that produces them.

How do you pronounce “aerosol”?

“Aerosol” is pronounced EH-uh-ruh-sol (/ˈɛɚ.əˌsɔl/ in IPA).

How do you use “aerosol” in a sentence?

Here is “aerosol” used in a sentence: “Wildfire smoke fills the air with harmful aerosols.”

What part of speech is “aerosol”?

Depending on how it is used, “aerosol” can be a noun and a verb.

How many meanings does “aerosol” have?

“Aerosol” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tiny particles of liquid or solid suspended in a gas, such as air.