ozone
UK: ˈəʊzəʊn | US: ˈoʊzoʊn
n. A colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light.
n. (figurative) Fresh, invigorating air, especially near the sea.
Coined in 1840 by German chemist Christian Schönbein, combining Greek ozein ("to smell") due to its distinctive odor, with the suffix -one (common in chemical nomenclature). The word reflects its discovery as a reactive form of oxygen (O₃) with a sharp smell, distinct from ordinary oxygen (O₂).
The ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
After the storm, the air smelled fresh, almost like ozone.
Industrial emissions contribute to ozone depletion.
The lab technician detected ozone using its characteristic pungent odor.
Beachgoers often associate the seaside breeze with the crisp scent of ozone.