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ozone layer

ozone layer

Noun

pl: ozone layers

This term refers specifically to the atmospheric shield protecting Earth from ultraviolet radiation. It is almost exclusively used in scientific, environmental, and educational contexts, carrying a strong connotation of fragility and ecological urgency due to the historical focus on its depletion.

Grammatically, while the word "layer" is typically countable, "ozone layer" is treated as a unique geographical and atmospheric entity. It is almost always used in the singular because Earth possesses only one such global system, making plural usage extremely rare and typically incorrect in a standard scientific context.

Meanings

Nounozone layer

A region of Earth's stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone molecules, which absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The depletion of the ozone layer is a major environmental concern.

Examples

The ozone layer protects the earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

We learned about the depletion of the ozone layer in science class today.

School Life

I wonder if the ozone layer is actually recovering now.

Chlorofluorocarbons are known to damage the ozone layer.

The ozone layer acts as a shield for all living organisms on the planet.

Trivia

Is the hole in the ozone layer getting smaller or larger?

Without the ozone layer, skin cancer rates would skyrocket.

Health

The Montreal Protocol was designed to protect the ozone layer.

History

The stratosphere contains the ozone layer which filters out UV rays.

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error