noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

ozone

OH-zohn

Ozone (noun) means a form of oxygen with three atoms per molecule instead of the usual two, found in a protective layer high in the atmosphere. Example: “The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.”

noun

A form of oxygen with three atoms per molecule instead of the usual two, found in a protective layer high in the atmosphere.

"The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation."

"Ground-level ozone can be a harmful air pollutant."

Informally, the fresh smell of sea air.

"She breathed in the ozone as the waves crashed along the shore."

How to use ozone

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA form of oxygen that protects Earth from UV rays high up, but acts as a pollutant near ground level; also used loosely for crisp sea air.

Common mistake

The "smell of the sea" meaning is based on an old myth that seaweed releases ozone — it doesn't, but the informal use has stuck.

Common pairings

ozone layer ozone depletion whiff of ozone

Word forms

ozoned past tense, ozones plural, ozones singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Etymology

From German "Ozon," coined in 1840 from Greek "ozein" ("to smell"), because of the gas's sharp odour.

Origin: German · First attested 1840

Class of 1840 ozone joined the language around 1840.

bender cyclone harmonium kindergarten ovarian

See the full Class of 1840 →

Rhymes for ozone

one bone done gone none tone lone hone cone zone stone phone

See all rhymes for ozone →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ozone” mean?

The word “ozone” means a form of oxygen with three atoms per molecule instead of the usual two, found in a protective layer high in the atmosphere. In plain terms, a form of oxygen that protects Earth from UV rays high up, but acts as a pollutant near ground level; also used loosely for crisp sea air.

How do you pronounce “ozone”?

“Ozone” is pronounced OH-zohn (/ˈoʊzoʊn/ in IPA).

How do you use “ozone” in a sentence?

Here is “ozone” used in a sentence: “The ozone layer shields the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.”

What part of speech is “ozone”?

“Ozone” is a noun.

Where does the word “ozone” come from?

The word “ozone” dates back to around 1840 and comes from German. From German "Ozon," coined in 1840 from Greek "ozein" ("to smell"), because of the gas's sharp odour.

Is “ozone” a common word?

“Ozone” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “ozone” have?

“Ozone” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a form of oxygen with three atoms per molecule instead of the usual two, found in a protective layer high in the atmosphere.

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Vocabulary lists that include ozone:

Words with German origins Words that start with O