Pollution Terminology

verb to become incorporated into a liquid so as to form a solution

• The scientist discovered a new method to dissolve the compound in the solution.
• I can't believe how quickly sugar can dissolve in hot water!
• Just add some hot water and watch the sugar dissolve like magic.
• Their friendship began to dissolve after the argument.

verb to produce or emit something, such as a smell or light

• The flowers in the garden give off a pleasant fragrance.
• The barbecue is giving off a lot of smoke.
• The new air freshener gives off a really nice scent.
• His confidence gives off a strong presence in the room.

noun a worthless or contemptible person

• The company fired the employee for being involved in unethical practices, labeling him as scum.
• I can't believe that scum tried to cheat his way through the exam.
• Don't trust that scum, he's always up to no good.
• The polluted river was described as a breeding ground for environmental scum.

noun a situation where something is removed or cleaned by washing

verb to remove or clean something by washing

• The heavy rain caused a wash out of the dirt road, making it impassable.
• I had to cancel the picnic because of the wash out from last night's storm.
• The party was a total wash out, nobody showed up.
• His hopes of winning the championship were washed out after his injury.

noun a type of rain or other precipitation that is unnaturally acidic due to the presence of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere

• The environmental impact of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems is well-documented.
• I heard that acid rain can really mess up the lakes and rivers.
• Dude, acid rain is like nature's way of giving Earth a bad hair day.
• The constant criticism from her boss felt like acid rain on her self-esteem.

noun a type of precipitation that contains high levels of acidity, usually caused by air pollution

• The environmental impact of acid snow on ecosystems is a growing concern.
• I heard that acid snow can really harm plants and animals.
• Yo, have you seen that acid snow outside? It's crazy!
• The acid snow of criticism fell heavily upon his reputation.