o-z-o-n-e
OZONE is a gas found in Earth's atmosphere, particularly in the stratosphere where it forms a protective layer. With a Z worth 10 points, it scores 14 points in Scrabble!
14
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
OZONE (O₃) is a molecule consisting of three oxygen atoms. In the stratosphere, it forms the ozone layer that protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. At ground level, it's a pollutant that can affect breathing.
OZONE comes from German "Ozon," coined in 1840 by Christian Friedrich Schönbein from Greek "ozein" meaning "to smell." He named it after the distinctive sharp smell produced during electrical discharges.
Ozone Layer
10-50km altitude
UV Protection
Blocks harmful rays
Ozone Hole
Antarctic depletion
Smog Component
Urban air pollution
Health Effects
Respiratory irritant
Formation
NOx + VOCs + sunlight
•The ozone layer is only about 3mm thick when compressed to Earth's surface pressure
•OZONE's Z (10 points) makes it one of the highest-scoring common 5-letter words
•The fresh smell after thunderstorms is actually ozone produced by lightning!
"OZONE was my game-winner - that Z on a triple letter score gave me 30 points from one tile!"
"I always save OZONE for when I can hit a bonus square with the Z - it's too valuable to waste."
In context: "The distinctive smell of ozone filled the air after the lightning strike."
Word game tip: "OZONE + D = OZONED (past tense) for a rare but valid 6-letter extension!"
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 3 | Consonants: 2
OZONE is perfect for clearing the valuable Z while using only common vowels and N. Essential for maximizing Z placement on premium squares.
Z Placement Priority
Always aim to place the Z (10pts) on a double or triple letter score. This alone can yield 20-30 points!
Two-Way Play Potential
OZONE creates good two-letter words: OZ (valid!), ON, and NE. Use for parallel plays.
Extension Options
OZONE → OZONES (plural) or OZONED (past tense). The -D ending is especially valuable.
OZONE has no valid full anagrams in Scrabble. However, you can make these shorter words from its letters:
Note: OZ is a valid word in Scrabble (wizard of Oz, ounce abbreviation)!
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like OZONE