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 spectra of brown dwarfs seen by SPHEREx allowed the team to determine that their atmospheres are chemically rich in water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026

The box, which can operate on 20 different fuels, produces roughly 95% less NOx and carbon monoxide than top-performing diesel generators. — Richard Eisenberg, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Skipping furnace servicing can also heighten your risk of encountering problems like carbon monoxide leaks, poor air quality, and airflow, and inconsistent heating. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 15 Oct. 2026

First Alert Plug-in Carbon Monoxide Detector For solo travelers, a carbon monoxide detector can be a smart addition to your hotel or vacation rental safety kit. — Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 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