carbon monoxide

American  

noun

1. a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas, CO, that burns with a pale-blue flame, produced when carbon burns with insufficient air: used chiefly in organic synthesis, metallurgy, and in the preparation of metal carbonyls, as nickel carbonyl.

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carbon monoxide British  

noun

1. a colourless odourless poisonous flammable gas formed when carbon compounds burn in insufficient air and produced by the action of steam on hot carbon: used as a reducing agent in metallurgy and as a fuel. Formula: CO

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Etymology

Origin of carbon monoxide

First recorded in 1870–75

Compare meaning

How does carbon-monoxide compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• carbon monoxide vs. carbon dioxide

Example Sentences

They believe carbon monoxide fumes were leaking into the cabin of the plane during Sala's flight, and the lack of an audible alarm meant Ibbotson was unable to take action to disperse the deadly gas.

From BBC

Burning them releases carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and fine particles that penetrate the lungs and bloodstream.

From BBC

This toxic smoke can include carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.

From BBC

Marks told the inquest there was reason to suspect the teenagers' deaths were due to "carbon monoxide poisoning" but the exact cause of death was still pending.

From BBC

When there is incomplete burning of oil – when there is not enough oxygen - carbon monoxide and soot particles can be released instead of carbon dioxide and water.

From BBC