Definition

1. Noun:
   • A form of oxygen: Ozone is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms (O₃). It is a pale blue gas with a distinct, sharp smell.
   • A protective layer: In the Earth's stratosphere, ozone forms a layer that absorbs most of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.
   • (Figurative) Fresh, invigorating air: Informally, "ozone" can refer to clean, bracing air, especially near the sea.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The ozone layer is crucial for protecting life on Earth from UV radiation.
  • Scientists monitor the concentration of ozone in the atmosphere.
  • After the storm, the air smelled fresh, like ozone.

Advanced Usage

• "Ozone-friendly": (adjective) Not harmful to the ozone layer.
  • Many aerosols are now labeled as ozone-friendly.
• "Ozone hole": (noun phrase) A region of marked thinning of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
  • The discovery of the ozone hole over Antarctica led to global environmental treaties.

Variants and Related Words

• Ozonosphere (n): Another term for the ozone layer.
  • The ozonosphere is part of the stratosphere.
• Ozonize (v): To convert oxygen into ozone; to treat with ozone.
  • Some air purifiers ozonize the air to remove odors.

Synonyms

• Trioxygen: The scientific name for the O₃ molecule.
• (For the figurative sense) Bracing air, fresh air.

Related Phrases

• Ground-level ozone: Ozone that forms at ground level, a harmful component of smog.
  • High levels of ground-level ozone can cause respiratory problems.

Noun

1. a colorless gas (O3) soluble in alkalis and cold water; a strong oxidizing agent; can be produced by electric discharge in oxygen or by the action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen in the stratosphere (where it acts as a screen for ultraviolet radiation)