carbon dioxide

noun

: a heavy colorless gas CO2 that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages

Examples of carbon dioxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Of all fossil fuels, coal emits the most carbon dioxide per unit of energy, and burning it releases deadly pollutants into the air. Simmone Shah, Time, 20 Feb. 2026 Health benefits of house burping House burping can help remove contaminants such as carbon dioxide buildup, dust, allergens and gases from cleaning products and air fresheners from the home. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Feb. 2026 Although China is the world’s largest emitter of carbon dioxide, the country is also the global leader in renewable energy, especially wind and solar. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 19 Feb. 2026 Driving an electric vehicle instead of a gas car cuts roughly 7,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per person annually, even after accounting for emissions from electricity generation. Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for carbon dioxide

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon dioxide was in 1867

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Carbon dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20dioxide. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

carbon dioxide

noun
: a heavy colorless gas CO2 that is formed especially by the burning and breaking down of organic substances (as in animal respiration), is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and has many industrial uses

Medical Definition

carbon dioxide

noun
: a heavy colorless gas CO2 that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages

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