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

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

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