Emission

Definition

Emission refers to the process of releasing, discharging, or sending out substances such as gases, particles, or radiation. It is commonly used in environmental, industrial, and scientific contexts to describe the output of pollutants or energy.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɪʃən/
• Respelling: i-MISH-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɪʃən/
• Respelling: i-MISH-uhn

The pronunciation of "emission" is consistent in both American and British English, with emphasis on the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "emission" comes from the Latin word "emissio," meaning "a sending out," from the verb "emittere," which means "to send out" (from "ex-" meaning "out" and "mittere" meaning "to send"). The term has been used since the 17th century to describe the process of releasing or discharging something.

Derivatives

• Emit (verb)
• Emissive (adjective)
• Emitted (verb)
• Emissionary (noun, rare)
• Emitter (noun)

Synonyms

• Discharge
• Release
• Outflow

Antonyms

• Absorption
• Containment
• Retention

Usage

The word "emission" is often used in environmental contexts to refer to pollutants, such as carbon dioxide or methane, being released into the atmosphere. It is also used in physics and engineering to describe the release of radiation or energy. Additionally, "emission" is employed in industrial and automotive contexts to describe the exhaust or pollutants produced by machines or vehicles.

Related Terms

• Pollutant: A substance that contaminates the environment, typically as a result of emissions.
• Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or particles.
• Exhaust: The waste gases or air expelled from an engine.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of releasing or sending out: Refers to the process of discharging substances or energy.
  • Example: "The emission of gases from factories contributes to air pollution."
• A substance released into the environment: Describes gases, particles, or radiation emitted by industrial processes, vehicles, or natural sources.
  • Example: "Carbon dioxide is one of the most common emissions from cars."