carbon dioxide

[kahr-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd]

noun

1. a colorless, odorless, incombustible gas, CO 2 , present in the atmosphere and formed during respiration, usually obtained from coal, coke, or natural gas by combustion, from carbohydrates by fermentation, by reaction of acid with limestone or other carbonates, or naturally from springs: used extensively in industry as dry ice, or carbon dioxide snow, in carbonated beverages, fire extinguishers, etc.

carbon dioxide

noun

1. Also called: carbonic-acid gas. a colourless odourless incombustible gas present in the atmosphere and formed during respiration, the decomposition and combustion of organic compounds, and in the reaction of acids with carbonates: used in carbonated drinks, fire extinguishers, and as dry ice for refrigeration. Formula: CO 2

carbon dioxide

1. A colorless, odorless gas that is present in the atmosphere and is formed when any fuel containing carbon is burned. It is breathed out of an animal's lungs during respiration, is produced by the decay of organic matter, and is used by plants in photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is also used in refrigeration, fire extinguishers, and carbonated drinks. Chemical formula: CO ₂ .

carbon dioxide

1. A compound made up of molecules containing one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

Carbon dioxide is normally found as a gas that is breathed out by animals and absorbed by green plants. The plants, in turn, return oxygen to the atmosphere. (See carbon cycle and respiration.)

Carbon dioxide is also given off in the burning of fossil fuels (see greenhouse effect).

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon dioxide¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The organic waste separates into a flammable gas — made of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and hydrogen — and a small amount of solid waste.

From Los Angeles Times

That is releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

From BBC

Driving Dr Barstow's V. nat focus is he wants to see microbes used to tackle big sustainability challenges – from producing jet fuel from carbon dioxide and green electricity to mining rare earth metals.

From BBC

It also covers all greenhouse gases, not just carbon dioxide, and will be measured "from peak levels" of emissions - the timing of which President Xi did not specify.

From BBC

These are fuels which can be produced from waste oils, from feedstocks such as wood, crops and agricultural waste, or synthesised from captured carbon dioxide and water.

From BBC