monoxide

Everyday

1. A monoxide is a chemical made of one atom of oxygen joined to another element. tree →
2. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas with no colour, smell or taste. tree →

In the lessons

In home safety, carbon monoxide (CO) can come from faulty boilers, gas fires, stoves, car exhausts and barbecues used indoors. It makes people sleepy, dizzy, sick and can kill. Homes should have a carbon monoxide alarm; if it beeps, open windows, get everyone outside and call for help. Never use a barbecue in a tent or room. In science, "mono" means one; carbon dioxide has two oxygens. Phrases: carbon monoxide alarm, carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon monoxide detector.

Examples

• Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. tree →
• We have a carbon monoxide alarm in the kitchen. tree →
• You cannot see or smell carbon monoxide. tree →
• Never bring a barbecue into a tent; it gives off carbon monoxide. tree →
• A faulty boiler can leak carbon monoxide. tree →
• Car exhaust contains carbon monoxide. tree →

Note

"Mono-" means one, "di-" means two: carbon monoxide (CO) is poisonous; carbon dioxide (CO2) is the gas we breathe out and plants use. Do not confuse them. Monoxide is rarely used on its own; it usually comes after "carbon".