ACID RAIN Definition & Meaning

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acid rain

[ as-id reyn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

precipitation, as rain, snow, or sleet, containing relatively high concentrations of acid-forming chemicals, as the pollutants from coal smoke, chemical manufacturing, and smelting, that have been released into the atmosphere and combined with water vapor: harmful to the environment.

acid rain

noun

rain that contains a high concentration of pollutants, chiefly sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal or oil

acid rain

A type of precipitation made up of dilute acids , primarily a by-product of heavy industry.

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Notes

Acid rain is a result of the combination of water with chemicals released into the atmosphere by the burning of fossil fuels .

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of acid rain¹

First recorded in 1855–60

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Environmental Protection Agency is through the Clean Air Act, which does regulate sulfur dioxide as a pollutant and as a contributor to acid rain.

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“At that time, people were concerned about acid rain.”

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Part of the reason for concern is that when sulfur dioxide leaves the stratosphere and sinks into the lower atmosphere, it can potentially fall as acid rain.

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He was also passionate about environmental causes, leading a global treaty to protect the ozone layer and signing a pact with the U.S. to reduce the pollution that causes acid rain.

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Internationally, he pushed for Reagan to sign a treaty to curb acid rain and an agreement to modernise Canada's air defence systems.

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