Emission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌬️
Add to dictionary

emission

[ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

air pollution

The act of emitting or sending out something, especially gas or radiation. Emissions can contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Synonyms

discharge, exhaust, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
emission

Used mostly in environmental and scientific contexts to refer to the release of substances, especially gases, into the atmosphere.

  • The factory has reduced its carbon emissions
  • Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to air pollution
discharge

Often used in medical or legal contexts referring to the release or letting go of something or someone. In environmental contexts, it can refer to the release of liquids, especially waste.

  • The patient was discharged from the hospital
  • The factory was fined for illegal discharge of chemicals into the river
release

A general term that can be used in many different contexts, including the letting go or liberation of something or someone, such as animals, information, or substances.

  • The company is planning to release the new product next month
  • He was released from prison after serving his sentence
exhaust

Specifically refers to gases emitted by engines or machinery, often as a byproduct of burning fuel. Also used to convey physical or mental fatigue but not in a scientific context.

  • Car manufacturers are working to reduce exhaust emissions
  • I am exhausted after the long hike

Examples of usage

  • The emission of greenhouse gases is a major factor in global warming.
  • Car emissions are a significant source of air pollution in cities.
Context #2 | Noun

finance

The act of issuing or making available stocks, bonds, or other securities for sale. Emission is a common practice for companies to raise capital.

Synonyms

issuance, offer, sale.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
emission

Typically used in the context of the release of substances, such as gases or radiation, into the environment.

  • The car manufacturers are working to reduce carbon emissions.
  • Factories in the area have been cited for excessive emission of pollutants.
issuance

Often used in the context of officially distributing or releasing documents, permits, or securities such as bonds and stocks.

  • The issuance of parking permits will begin next Monday.
  • The company announced the issuance of 1 million new shares.
offer

Used when presenting something for someone to accept or reject, often in the context of selling products, providing services, or extending proposals.

  • The store has a special offer on laptops this week.
  • He made an offer to buy the house for $300,000.
sale

Refers to the exchange of a product or service for money, often highlighted in retail contexts, promotional events, or transactions.

  • The holiday sale starts tomorrow with discounts on all items.
  • They completed the sale of their business to an international company.

Examples of usage

  • The company announced the emission of new shares to fund its expansion.
  • Stock emission can affect the market price of a company's shares.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Environmental Science

  • Emissions are key pollutants affecting air quality, derived from sources like vehicles, factories, and natural events.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute significantly to climate change.
  • The Paris Agreement aims to limit emissions globally to prevent dangerous levels of global warming.

Psychology

  • Emissions can also refer to non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, that 'emit' information about feelings.
  • Psychologists study emotional emissions to understand how feelings can influence social interactions and communication.
  • Emotional emissions can affect the moods of those around us, illustrating how our feelings are shared in social environments.

Technology

  • In the tech world, devices emit signals, such as Wi-Fi routers sending out data waves.
  • Emission spectrometry is a method to analyze elements by observing the light emitted when they're heated.
  • The term is often used in the context of light emissions from lasers, critical for applications in medicine and communications.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict pollution as a result of unchecked emissions from industries, highlighting environmental issues.
  • Songs and literature may use emissions as a metaphor for loss or release, tapping into emotional experiences.
  • The idea of emissions has been popularized in documentaries focusing on climate change and sustainability.

Origin of 'emission'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'emission' originates from the Latin 'emissio', which means 'a sending out'.
  • It was first used in English in the 15th century, linked closely to the idea of releasing or sending forth.
  • The prefix 'e-' in Latin suggests 'out of', which aligns with the concept of substances being released.

The word 'emission' originates from the Latin word 'emissio', which means 'a sending out' or 'a letting go'. It has been used in English since the 17th century, initially in the context of emitting gases or particles. Over time, the term has expanded to encompass a wider range of meanings, including financial issuance. Today, 'emission' is commonly associated with environmental concerns due to its connection to air pollution and climate change.


See also: emitting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,005, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.