Monoxide
(noun)
- A compound containing only one oxygen atom in its molecule.
- A chemical compound that contains one oxygen atom and one other element. The chemical formula is MO. It is typically a colorless, odorless, and toxic gas.
Origin:
From the greek monos ("single") + oxys ("acid, sour") + -ide.
Examples:
- Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that can be fatal if inhaled in large amounts.
- Monoxide of nitrogen is a major contributor to air pollution in urban areas.
- Iron monoxide is a dark-red powder that is used in the production of pigments.
- The fire department determined that the cause of the explosion was a build-up of monoxide gas in the basement.
- The plant releases large amounts of sulfur monoxide into the atmosphere.