carbon dioxide

noun

: a heavy colorless gas CO₂ that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages

Examples of carbon dioxide in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Eventually, a buildup of carbon dioxide from volcanic outgassing may have warmed the planet again. —Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

As far back as the 1950s, the Office of Naval Research was paying for studies that documented rising levels of carbon dioxide and linking that with rising temperatures. —Outside Online, 13 Nov. 2024

Morgan Stanley is investing in direct air capture of carbon dioxide through a partnership with the Swiss firm Climeworks, the companies announced this morning. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric vehicles promise to result in far fewer emissions of toxic gases and carbon dioxide – especially if they are recharged with electricity produced from renewable sources like wind and solar power. —Michael Leamy, Discover Magazine, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

carbon dioxide

noun

: a heavy colorless gas CO₂ that is formed especially by the burning and breaking down of organic substances (as in animal respiration), is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and has many industrial uses

Medical Definition

carbon dioxide

noun

: a heavy colorless gas CO₂ that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed especially in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages