Smog

/smɒg/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke and fog, typically produced by industrial and vehicle emissions.

The city was under a thick layer of smog, making it difficult to breathe.

An atmospheric condition that reduces visibility due to the combination of fog and smoke.

The smog in the valley turned the sunset into an eerie red glow.

Polluted air that can be harmful to health.

Residents are advised to stay indoors during high smog alerts.

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

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.

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.

Smog city

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

Gray soup

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