Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Smog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌫️
Add to dictionary

smog

[smɒɡ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

air pollution

Smog is a type of air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog. It is typically found in urban areas with high levels of vehicle emissions and industrial activity.

Synonyms

fog, haze, pollution.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
smog

Used to describe a mix of smoke and fog, particularly in urban areas with high levels of air pollution.

  • The city was covered in smog after the factory opened.
  • Children were advised to stay indoors due to the heavy smog.
pollution

Used to describe the presence of harmful substances in the environment, particularly in the air. Often discussed in environmental contexts.

  • Air pollution in the city has reached critical levels.
  • Efforts to reduce water pollution have been successful.
haze

Describes a slight obscuration of the lower atmosphere, often caused by heat or pollution. Less dense than fog.

  • A light haze settled over the city as the temperature rose.
  • The haze from the forest fires spread across the region.
fog

Refers to a thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere, usually reducing visibility. Often found in natural settings.

  • The road was difficult to navigate due to the dense fog.
  • Morning fog covered the mountains, creating a serene view.

Examples of usage

  • The city was covered in a thick blanket of smog, making it difficult to breathe.
  • The government issued a health warning due to the high levels of smog in the air.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health Effects

  • Exposure to smog can lead to respiratory problems, heart disease, and worsened asthma symptoms.
  • Children and older adults are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of polluted air.

Environmental Impact

  • Smog can have detrimental effects on plants, causing issues with growth and yields due to poor air quality.
  • It contributes to the overall greenhouse effect, impacting climate change and weather patterns.

Pop Culture

  • Smog has been a prominent theme in various dystopian films and novels as a symbol of environmental neglect.
  • In the animated film 'The Lorax', pollution is depicted through smog, illustrating the consequences of industrialization.

Scientific Understanding

  • It results from a chemical reaction between sunlight and pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides.
  • Meteorological conditions, including temperature inversions, can worsen smog by trapping pollutants close to the ground.

Origin of 'smog'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'smog' was created in the early 20th century by combining 'smoke' and 'fog'.
  • It was first used to describe air quality issues in London around 1905.

The word 'smog' is a combination of the words 'smoke' and 'fog'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the hazy mixture of smoke and fog that often covered industrial cities. Smog became a serious environmental issue in the mid-20th century with the rise of industrialization and increased vehicle emissions.

See also: smoke, smoked, smokescreen, smoking, smoky.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,385, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.