CO: meaning, definitions and examples
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CO
[ siː oʊ ]
chemical element
CO stands for carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. It is produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels and can accumulate in enclosed spaces, leading to poisoning.
Synonyms
carbon monoxide, carbone oxide
Examples of usage
- CO is often found in smoke from fires.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are essential for safety.
- Breathing in CO can lead to serious health issues.
Word origin
The term 'carbon monoxide' was first coined in the early 19th century, with the word 'carbon' derived from the Latin 'carbo', meaning 'charcoal', and 'oxide' coming from the Greek 'oxys', meaning 'acid', and 'ide', meaning 'form'. Initially, carbon monoxide was studied for its properties related to combustion and its effects on health. The study of carbon monoxide expanded in the late 1900s as researchers began to unravel how it is produced and its potential dangers. Due to its production from fuel combustion, carbon monoxide became a focus for environmental and health studies, especially in urban areas where pollution levels were high. Awareness campaigns about the dangers of CO showed that it could be lethal in high concentrations, leading to the installation of CO detectors in homes and workplaces to mitigate risks.