Origin: Latin suffix -sion
Emission has 6 different meanings across 1 category:
the release of electrons from parent atoms
"The photoelectric effect demonstrates emission by causing the release of electrons from parent atoms when they absorb light energy."
the occurrence of a flow of water (as from a pipe)
"The sudden emission from the broken pipe flooded the basement within minutes."
Something which is emitted or sent out; issue.
"The factory's smokestack released a thick cloud of black emission into the sky."
In plain English: An emission is something that gets released into the air, water, or space from an object or process.
"The car's emission test failed because too much smoke came from its exhaust pipe."
Usage: Use emission to describe gases, radiation, or other substances released into the air by factories or vehicles rather than abstract ideas like news releases. This term specifically refers to physical outputs that are let loose from a source.
The word emission first appeared in English in 1607, borrowed directly from the Middle French term for "sending forth." It ultimately traces its roots to Latin, where it originally described the act of sending something out.