carbon dioxide
Pronunciation
Noun
B1 Intermediate
Quick answer
A colorless gas made of carbon and oxygen that people and animals breathe out and that plants absorb during photosynthesis.
Usage notes
Often shortened to "CO2" in scientific writing.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Burning fossil fuels releases large amounts of _____ into the atmosphere."
Answer: carbon dioxide
In your own words, what does "carbon dioxide" mean?
A colorless gas made of carbon and oxygen that people and animals breathe out and that plants absorb during photosynthesis.
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