carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very toxic gas CO that is formed as a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon or a carbon compound

Examples of carbon monoxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The heat triggers a chemical reaction that strips the oxygen away, leaving behind carbon monoxide as a byproduct. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Mar. 2026

Waldeck said the spirit of including vehicles in the ordinance was to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning incidents. —Lynne Hermansen, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026

One of the most common hazards after a major snowstorm are blocked house vents and pipes, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026

Zambrano told jurors that Saxon was fired after raising concerns that three large generators installed after the home’s electricity was removed posed a risk of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for carbon monoxide

• hydroxide
• tetroxide

Kids Definition

carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very poisonous gas formed by the incomplete burning of carbon

Medical Definition

carbon monoxide

noun

: a colorless odorless very toxic gas CO that burns to carbon dioxide with a blue flame and is formed as a product of the incomplete combustion of carbon