smog
UK: smɒɡ | US: smɑːɡ
n. a type of air pollution caused by a mixture of smoke and fog, often found in urban areas.
The word "smog" is a portmanteau, blending "smoke" and "fog." It was coined in the early 20th century (around 1905) to describe the thick, polluted air in industrial cities like London, where coal smoke combined with natural fog. The term vividly captures the hybrid nature of this environmental phenomenon, reflecting its dual sources and hazy appearance.
The city was covered in dense smog, reducing visibility to just a few meters.
Health warnings were issued due to hazardous smog levels.
Factories contributed heavily to the smog problem in the region.
Wearing masks outdoors became necessary during smog alerts.
The government introduced measures to reduce smog by limiting vehicle emissions.