carbon dioxide

carbon dioxide
carbon dioxide n a heavy colorless gas CO2 that does not support combustion, dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, is formed esp. in animal respiration and in the decay or combustion of animal and vegetable matter, is absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis, and is used in the carbonation of beverages

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a colourless gas formed in the tissues during metabolism and carried in the blood to the lungs, where it is exhaled (an increase in the concentration of this gas in the blood stimulates respiration). Carbon dioxide occurs in small amounts in the atmosphere; it is used by plants in the process of photosynthesis. It forms a solid (dry ice) at -75°C (at atmospheric pressure) and in this form is used as a refrigerant. Formula: CO2.

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an odorless, colorless gas, CO2, resulting from the oxidation of carbon. It is formed in the tissues and eliminated by the lungs. CO2 and the carbonates assist in maintaining the neutrality of the tissues and fluids of the body. [USP] a preparation of the gas, used in some pump-oxygenators to maintain the carbon dioxide tension in the blood. In solid form, carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide snow or dry ice) is used to freeze skin for local anesthesia, as an escharotic to destroy certain skin lesions, and as a peeling agent in chemabrasion.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • carbon dioxide — 1873, so called because it consists of one carbon and two oxygen atoms. Known since mid 18c. under the name fixed air …   Etymology dictionary

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  • carbon dioxide — noun a heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposition of organic substances; absorbed from the air by plants in photosynthesis (Freq. 1) • Syn: ↑CO2, ↑carbonic acid gas • Derivationally related forms: ↑carbonate • …   Useful english dictionary

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