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 building had $6.5 million in deferred maintenance costs and had to close briefly in October 2022 after a carbon monoxide leak sent several students to the hospital. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2024 Practice portable generator safety: use outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors/windows/garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 No working carbon monoxide detectors were in the home, according to the fire department. Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 17 Jan. 2024 However, when the family was tested for carbon monoxide poisoning, the results came back negative. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 Authorities in central Minnesota say two people are dead from carbon monoxide poisoning after alternative energy sources were used to heat a home. Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 12 Feb. 2024 Position your generator where exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 Firefighters responded to the Guanajuato Bakery at 3301 E. Belknap St. shortly after 10:30 a.m. for a carbon monoxide call, according to Fort Worth Fire Department records. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Jan. 2024 Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning is urged to call 911 immediately. USA TODAY, 18 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'carbon monoxide.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 2024.

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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