CARBON DIOXIDE Definition & Meaning

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carbon dioxide

[ kahr-buhn dahy-ok-sahyd ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

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 Also calledcarbonic-acid gas

carbon dioxide

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

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

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Notes

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 ).

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of carbon dioxide¹

First recorded in 1870–75

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Compare Meanings

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

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Example Sentences

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Depending on the type of rocket fuel used, launches produce nitrogen oxides, chlorine, black carbon particles, water vapor, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide — and no propellant avoids creating of some kind of emissions.

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The seven hydrogen hubs were collectively expected to produce 3 million metric tons of hydrogen each year — reducing 25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, or roughly the amount of 5.5 million gas-powered cars.

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Much like trees on land, seagrass absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and stores it in its roots and soil.

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Among the 31 items up for reconsideration is the EPA’s long-held conclusion that carbon dioxide emissions endanger human health and welfare, formally known as the “endangerment finding” established in 2009.

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The level of oxygen in the body suddenly drops, while the build-up of carbon dioxide significantly increases.

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