n.1 Chem. a colourless unstable gas with a pungent odour and powerful oxidizing properties, used for bleaching etc.
Usage:
Chem. formula: O3.
2 colloq. a invigorating air at the seaside etc. b exhilarating influence.
Phrases and idioms:
ozone-friendly (of manufactured articles) containing chemicals that are not destructive to the ozone layer. ozone layer a layer of ozone in the stratosphere that absorbs most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Derivatives:
ozonic adj. ozonize v.tr. (also -ise). ozonization n. ozonizer n.
Etymology: G Ozon f. Gk, neut. pres. part. of ozo smell