emission

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A gas, radiation, or other substance sent out into the air, especially from engines or factories.

   Grammar: Often used in the plural 'emissions' when talking about pollution.

   Patterns

   • carbon emissions
   • reduce emissions
   • emissions from something

   The new law aims to cut carbon emissions from power plants.

   Scientists measured the emissions from the factory's chimney.

   Many countries have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2. 2noununcountable

   The act of sending out light, heat, sound, or gas.

   Grammar: Uncountable when referring to the process; use 'an emission' for a single release.

   Patterns

   • the emission of light
   • the emission of heat

   The emission of light from the star can be seen with a telescope.

   The device controls the emission of harmful gases.

Word forms

Common combinations

carbon emissions

The company promised to reduce its carbon emissions by 50%.

greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions are a major cause of climate change.

emission standards

The government introduced stricter emission standards for cars.

zero emissions

Electric cars produce zero emissions while driving.

emission of light

The emission of light from the screen can hurt your eyes.

Synonyms and how they differ

discharge

Often used for liquids or waste; 'emission' is more common for gases and radiation.

release

A general word for letting something out; 'emission' is more technical and often about pollution.

Opposites

Word family

emit verb

To send out gas, light, heat, or sound.

emitter noun

A person or thing that emits something.

Commonly confused: emission or omission?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “emission”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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