ozone

noun oh-ZON Rare

Origin: Greek ozein (to smell)

Usage Note

Ozone refers to the triatomic oxygen molecule (O₃), both the atmospheric ozone layer (la couche d'ozone) and ground-level ozone as a pollutant. The phrase l'air sent l'ozone is used poetically for fresh sea or post-rain air. It is masculine: l'ozone stratosphérique.

Examples

"La couche d'ozone protège la Terre."

Natural Translation

The ozone layer protects the Earth.

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