ozone layer

noun

: an atmospheric layer at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most solar ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

Examples of ozone layer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These metals have even attached themselves to sulfuric acid particles that play an important role in the welfare of the ozone layer. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023 Lightning storms rolled around the globe, and ultraviolet radiation rained down in the absence of an ozone layer. David W. Brown, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2023 As the ozone layer continues to be depleted, many scientists expect the incidence and severity of sunburns, and ultimately skin cancer, to increase. Keyvan Nouri, M.d., Jessica Cervantes and John Tsatalis, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica has trickle-down effects on winds. Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, 5 Oct. 2023 Rockets also emit black carbon directly into the stratospheric ozone layer, whereas most jets fly lower in the stratosphere, below the ozone. Kay Nolan, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Mar. 2023 According to Piersanti, if such a distant event can cause a significant disturbance in the relatively less conductive part of the ionosphere, an event occurring in our galaxy (which is 100,000 light-years wide) could cause damage to the Earth’s ozone layer. Dhananjay Khadilkar, Ars Technica, 17 Nov. 2023 The threat posed to the ozone layer or humanity at large remains unknown, but scientists say that any changes to the normally pristine stratosphere demand attention. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2023 The ozone layer was on the wrong side of the boundary in the 1990s, Richardson said. Laura Paddison, CNN, 13 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ozone layer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ozone layer was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near ozone layer

Cite this Entry

“Ozone layer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ozone%20layer. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ozone layer

noun
: a layer of the earth's atmosphere at heights of about 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers) that is normally characterized by high ozone content which blocks most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation from entry into the lower atmosphere

More from Merriam-Webster on ozone layer

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