# emission

/ɪˈmɪʃən/ (US) · /ɪmˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emission
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. gas or radiation released

noun · CEFR B2

a substance, such as a gas, that is sent out into the air.

For teachers: a substance, typically a pollutant or greenhouse gas, discharged into the atmosphere.

- The government is trying to reduce carbon emissions from cars and factories.
- The new environmental regulations mandate a significant reduction in methane emissions from industrial agricultural facilities by the end of the decade.

### 2. the act of sending out

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the process of sending out light, heat, or sound.

For teachers: the physical process of discharging or radiating energy or matter from a source.

- The emission of light from the screen can make it hard to sleep.
- The precise measurement of thermal emission allows scientists to determine the surface temperature of distant planets without direct contact.

### 3. a broadcast

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a radio or television programme.

For teachers: a broadcast or transmission of a programme, often used in the context of international media.

- The station began its nightly emission of news at seven o'clock.
- The shortwave emission was intended for audiences across the border, providing an alternative perspective on the unfolding political crisis.

Usage: This sense is more common in European English contexts influenced by French 'émission' or in formal media studies.

## Examples

- The new car has very low carbon dioxide emission levels.
- The government introduced a new tax to penalize any factory that exceeds its legal emission limits.
- Reducing the global emission of greenhouse gases remains the primary challenge for international climate agreements seeking to mitigate the effects of global warming.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.