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 centers accept items like electronics, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, clothing, books and child car seats, per the county’s website. — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

The older son died from stab wounds, while the younger son died from carbon monoxide poisoning. — CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

The warnings do not establish a separate failure of their carbon monoxide detection functions. — Rich Percival, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2026

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

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