ˈōˌzōn noun
( -s )
Etymology: German ozon, from Greek ozōn, present participle of ozein to smell — more at odor
1. : an allotropic triatomic form O 3 of oxygen that is normally a faintly blue irritating gas with a characteristic pungent odor but at -112° C condenses to a deep blue magnetic liquid, that occurs in minute amounts in air near the earth's surface and in larger amounts in the stratosphere as a product of the action of ultraviolet light of short wave lengths on ordinary oxygen, that is generated usually in dilute form by a silent electric discharge in oxygen or air, that decomposes to oxygen (as when heated), that is a stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen, and that is used chiefly in disinfection and deodorization (as in water purification and air conditioning), in oxidation and bleaching (as in the treatment of industrial wastes), and in ozonolysis (as in the manufacture of azelaic acid from oleic acid)
2. : pure and refreshing air
the fresh crisp ozone of morning — Ashley Halsey