noun
ozone
OH-zohn
noun
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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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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.