Meaning & Definition of word "Smog"

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    Smog

    /smɒg/

    noun:

    • 1. A type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke and fog, typically produced by industrial and vehicle emissions.
      • Example: The city was under a thick layer of smog, making it difficult to breathe.
    • 2. An atmospheric condition that reduces visibility due to the combination of fog and smoke.
      • Example: The smog in the valley turned the sunset into an eerie red glow.
    • 3. Polluted air that can be harmful to health.
      • Example: Residents are advised to stay indoors during high smog alerts.

    Etymology

    Coined in the early 20th century by blending 'smoke' and 'fog'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    London smog:

    Refers to the historic air pollution crisis that occurred in London, especially known for the Great Smog of 1952.

    industrial smog:

    A term describing smog that results from industrial emissions and usually contains sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.

    photochemical smog:

    A type of smog formed by the photochemical reaction between sunlight and pollutants like vehicle exhaust.

    Related Words

    pollution:

    The presence of harmful substances in the environment.

    fog:

    A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth's surface.

    Slang Meanings of smog

    Meaning: Smog city

    Example Sentence: When people refer to their homes as 'smog city', they're commenting on the poor air quality.

    Meaning: Gray soup

    Example Sentence: The air felt like gray soup after weeks of smog accumulation.