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
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.
Regarding fast fashion's environmental impact, the production of polyester for just textiles emits more than 700 metric tons, or tonnes, of carbon dioxide. Presley Bo Tyler, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024 And concerningly, the region’s tundra has transitioned from being a sink for carbon to a source of emissions as permafrost thaws, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. Evan Bush, NBC News, 10 Dec. 2024 In 2024, for instance, the JWST also revealed potential signs of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere of K2-18b, a planet located 124 light-years from Earth. Lisa Kaltenegger, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024 Icelandic volcanic eruptions release various gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), water vapor, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methane and carbon monoxide, among others. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for carbon dioxide 

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of carbon dioxide was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near carbon dioxide

Cite this Entry

“Carbon dioxide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carbon%20dioxide. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on carbon dioxide

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