a form of oxygen with three atoms in each molecule that is a bluish gas with a pungent smell, and is formed naturally in the upper atmosphere by the action of ultraviolet solar radiation on oxygen or, and can be generated commercially for use as a sterilizing, purifying, bleaching, or oxidizing agent: formula O3
informal pure and refreshing air
ozonic /ohʹzohnik, ohʹzonik/ adj
ozonous /-nəs/ adj
[German Ozon from Greek ozōn, present part. of ozein to smell]