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
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Their residence was tested for the colorless, odorless gas and was cleared by the Santa Fe City Fire Department after authorities were unable to find evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025 And, a family of four died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a New Hampshire vacation home on Christmas Day. Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 These regions are often rich in carbon monoxide and hydrogen, and scientists usually spot them with radio telescopes that detect carbon monoxide. Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 But what about the clouds without much carbon monoxide? Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for carbon monoxide

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon monoxide was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Carbon monoxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20monoxide. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on carbon monoxide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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