1.
carbon monoxide; CO
The chemical compound CO, an odorless and colorless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion. A common cause of poisoning from poorly ventilated heaters, charcoal grills, and engine exhaust.
一酸化炭素は有毒だ。
Carbon monoxide is toxic.
換気しないと一酸化炭素中毒になる恐れがある。
Without ventilation, there's a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
灯油ストーブを使うときは、一酸化炭素が発生しないよう定期的に換気しよう。
When using a kerosene heater, ventilate regularly to prevent carbon monoxide from building up.
Composed of 一酸化 (mono-oxide) + 炭素 (carbon). Distinct from 二酸化炭素 (CO₂, carbon dioxide), which is also a combustion product but far less acutely toxic.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 一酸化炭素中毒: carbon monoxide poisoning
- 一酸化炭素が発生する: carbon monoxide is generated
- 一酸化炭素警報器: CO detector
KEY POINTS:
- Odorless and colorless — undetectable without an instrument
- Produced by incomplete combustion (poor ventilation, low oxygen)
- Binds to hemoglobin much more strongly than oxygen, so even low concentrations can be fatal
COMPARE:
- 二酸化炭素: carbon dioxide (CO₂) — exhaled by breathing, much less acutely toxic
- 酸素: oxygen (O₂)