Meaning & use

aerosol

noun·Academic

A substance released as a fine spray from a pressurized container, or a suspension of tiny particles in gas.

See it in a sentence

She used an aerosol spray to remove the stubborn stain from the carpet.

Scientists study how aerosols in the atmosphere affect cloud formation and climate.

A note on using this word

In everyday speech, aerosol usually means a spray can, while in science it more precisely describes tiny particles suspended in air.

Words with a similar meaning

spray

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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