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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Depending on what's burning – grasslands, trees, vegetation, buildings – wildfire smoke can contain chemical substances such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, acid gases, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, benzene, toluene, styrene, metals and dioxins, the New York State Department of Health says. George Petras, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025 Incinerators emit pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter, which have been associated with heart disease, respiratory problems, and cancer. Tribune News Service, Orlando Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 Generators pose a fire risk and can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Dominique Sabins, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2025 To protect from carbon monoxide poisoning, clear snow from your exhaust pipe and run the engine just enough to keep the car warm, or about 10 minutes every hour. Mara Hoplamazian, NPR, 9 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near carbon monoxide

Cite this Entry

“Carbon monoxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20monoxide. Accessed 19 Jan. 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

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