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

Safety & Maintenance Full transparency, both systems come with potential risks to your home like carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Dec. 2025

Do not use generators or grills inside as carbon monoxide poisoning can result. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Dec. 2025

Dual-wave technology reduces false alarms by distinguishing non-fire smoke, while dual sensors provide combined smoke and carbon monoxide detection with an audible 85 dB alert. —New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2025

Multiple studies have shown that burning methane gas produces nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and benzene that can worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and increase the risk of cancer. —Alan K. Chen, The Conversation, 18 Dec. 2025

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