carbon dioxide

noun [U] (also carbon, abbreviation CO2)

Definition

› ENVIRONMENT the gas formed when carbon is burned, or when people or animals breathe out. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas: The UK plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. Hotter days could be ahead as the carbon dioxide levels in Earth's atmosphere continue to rise.emit/release carbon dioxide Human energy consumption releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. absorb/capture carbon dioxide

→ Compare carbon monoxide

(Definition of carbon dioxide noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)