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 streamer is composed mostly of molecular hydrogen, but since molecular hydrogen is invisible at radio wavelengths, ALMA searched for molecules of carbon monoxide in the streamer instead. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Hydrogen evolution is therefore suppressed, leaving more opportunity for CO₂-derived pathways that produce carbon monoxide and formate. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

Cove sent me a full array of add-ons, including indoor and outdoor cameras, a doorbell camera, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, a panic button, a glass-break sensor, a water-leak sensor, a siren, and a remote fob. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

Now, authorities are investigating if a generator was running inside the house, resulting in possible carbon monoxide poisoning, WRAL reported. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 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