emission

The word “emission” means something released or given off, such as gas, light, or radiation. In plain terms, something released into the environment, such as gas or radiation, or the act of releasing it.

“Emission” is pronounced ih-MIHSH-uhn (/ɪˈmɪʃ.ən/ in IPA).

Here is “emission” used in a sentence: “The factory was fined for excessive carbon emissions.”

“Emission” is a noun.

The word “emission” comes from Latin. From Latin emissio, "a sending forth," from emittere, "to send out" — the same root as emit.

“Emission” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Emission” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something released or given off, such as gas, light, or radiation.

"Emission" in the singular can refer to a single instance of something released, such as light or gas, or to the general act of releasing it. "Emissions," the plural, is most commonly used in environmental contexts to refer collectively to pollutants or gases, such as "carbon emissions" or "vehicle emissions."

"Emit" is the verb describing the act of sending something out or releasing it, as in "the sun emits light." "Emission" is the related noun, referring either to that act of releasing or to the substance released itself.

"Emission" is widely used in environmental and scientific contexts because it precisely describes gases, particles, or radiation released into the atmosphere, such as from vehicles or factories. This makes it the standard technical term for discussing pollution levels and climate impact.