Word: Air Pollution
Definition:
Air pollution refers to the contamination or dirtying of the air we breathe. This can happen when harmful substances, like smoke, dust, or chemicals, mix with the air, making it unhealthy for people, animals, and the environment.
Usage Instructions:
- "Air pollution" is a noun phrase. You can use it to talk about problems in the environment, especially regarding health and safety.
Example:
- "In many cities, air pollution can make it difficult to see the skyline clearly."
Advanced Usage:
- When discussing air pollution in scientific or policy contexts, you might hear terms like "particulate matter," "greenhouse gases," or "emissions." These are specific elements or causes related to air pollution.
Word Variants:
- Pollute (verb): To make something dirty or harmful.
- Example: "Factories can pollute the air with smoke."
- Pollutant (noun): A substance that causes pollution.
- Example: "Carbon monoxide is a common air pollutant."
- Pollution (noun): The general term for contamination of air, water, or land.
- Example: "Water pollution is also a serious issue."
Different Meaning:
While "air pollution" specifically refers to dirty air, the word "pollution" can apply to other environments, like water pollution or soil pollution.
Synonyms:
- Air contamination
- Atmospheric pollution
- Smog (specifically refers to fog mixed with smoke or pollution)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While there aren't specific idioms directly related to "air pollution," you can use phrasal verbs that involve "pollute" or "clean."
- Clean up: To make a place clean; in the context of air pollution, it could mean reducing pollution.
- Example: "The city is trying to clean up the air by reducing car emissions."
Conclusion:
Understanding "air pollution" is important because it affects our health and the planet.