ozone

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o·zone / ˈōˌzōn/ • n. a colorless unstable toxic gas with a pungent odor and powerful oxidizing properties, formed from oxygen by electrical discharges or ultraviolet light. It differs from normal oxygen (O2) in having three atoms in its molecule (O3). ∎ short for ozone layer. ∎ inf. fresh invigorating air, esp. that blowing onto the shore from the sea.DERIVATIVES: o·zon·ic / ōˈzänik/ adj.

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