noun

ozone

/ˈoʊzoʊn/ · say it: OH·zohn

a gas layer that shields the earth from ultraviolet rays

In more detail

1. (noun) a form of oxygen gas that has a sharp smell and is found high in the atmosphere, where it protects Earth from harmful rays of the sun

2. (noun) a strong-smelling gas that is produced by electrical equipment or used to clean things

Examples

1. The ozone layer is being damaged by certain chemicals.
2. The air smelled like ozone after the lightning strike.

How to use ozone

Ozone is primarily used in scientific, environmental, and technical contexts. In discussion of atmospheric protection, it refers specifically to the beneficial stratospheric layer; in air quality discussions, it often refers to harmful ground-level ozone produced by pollution. The word is factual and neutral in tone, commonly appearing in environmental science and public health communication.

Common phrases

ozone layer
ozone depletion
ozone hole
ground-level ozone
ozone generator

Synonyms

trioxygen · O₃

Word family

ozonize · ozonated · ozonation

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse the beneficial ozone layer (stratosphere) with ground-level ozone (troposphere), which is a pollutant. The stratospheric ozone protects us; ground-level ozone harms us.

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