aerosol

[ air-uh-sawl, -sol ]
/ ˈɛər əˌsɔl, -ˌsɒl /

noun

Physical Chemistry. a system of colloidal particles dispersed in a gas; smoke or fog.
a liquid substance, as a disinfectant or deodorant, sealed in a metal container under pressure with an inert gas or other activating agent and released as a spray or foam through a push-button valve or nozzle: an aerosol for cleaning ovens.

adjective

of or containing a liquid or gas under pressure for dispensing as a spray or foam: a deodorant available in aerosol cans.

Origin of aerosol

First recorded in 1920–25; aero- + sol4

Example sentences from the Web for aerosol

British Dictionary definitions for aerosol

aerosol
/ (ˈɛərəˌsɒl) /

noun

a colloidal dispersion of solid or liquid particles in a gas; smoke or fog
a substance, such as a paint, polish, or insecticide, dispensed from a small metal container by a propellant under pressure
Also called: air spray such a substance together with its container

Word Origin for aerosol

C20: from aero- + sol ( ution)

Medical definitions for aerosol

aerosol
[ ârə-sôl′ ]

n.

A gaseous suspension of fine solid or liquid particles.
A substance, such as a drug containing therapeutically active ingredients, packaged under pressure with a gaseous propellant for release as a spray of fine particles.

Scientific definitions for aerosol

aerosol
[ ârə-sôl′ ]

A substance consisting of very fine particles of a liquid or solid suspended in a gas. Mist, which consists of very fine droplets of water in air, is an aerosol. Compare emulsion foam.
A liquid substance, such as paint, an insecticide, or a hair spray, packaged under pressure for use or application as a fine spray.