carbon

American  

[kahr-buhn] / ˈkɑr bən /

noun

• carbons
  plural

1. Chemistry. a widely distributed element that forms organic compounds in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, etc., and that occurs in a pure state as diamond and graphite, and in an impure state as charcoal. C; 12.011; 6; (of diamond) 3.51 at 20°C; (of graphite) 2.26 at 20°C.

2. carbon dioxide or other carbon compounds that are emitted into the atmosphere and cause rising temperatures.

   the carbon produced by burning fossil fuels.

3. carbon copy.

4. a sheet of carbon paper.

5. Electricity.

   1. the carbon rod through which current is conducted between the electrode holder and the arc in carbon arc lighting or welding.

   2. the rod or plate, composed in part of carbon, used in batteries.

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adjective

1. pertaining to or noting the element carbon or any of its compounds, especially carbon dioxide.

   to reduce carbon emissions.

carbon British  

/ ˈkɑːbən /

noun

1. 1. a nonmetallic element existing in the three crystalline forms: graphite, diamond, and buckminsterfullerene: occurring in carbon dioxide, coal, oil, and all organic compounds. The isotope carbon-12 has been adopted as the standard for atomic wt; carbon-14 , a radioisotope with a half-life of 5700 years, is used in radiocarbon dating and as a tracer. Symbol: C; atomic no: 6; atomic wt: 12.011; valency: 2, 3, or 4; relative density: 1.8–2.1 (amorphous), 1.9–2.3 (graphite), 3.15–3.53 (diamond); sublimes at 3367±25°C; boiling pt: 4827°C

   2. ( as modifier )

      a carbon compound

2. short for carbon paper carbon copy

3. a carbon electrode used in a carbon-arc light or in carbon-arc welding

4. a rod or plate, made of carbon, used in some types of battery

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carbon Scientific  

/ kär′bən /

1. A naturally abundant, nonmetallic element that occurs in all organic compounds and can be found in all known forms of life. Diamonds and graphite are pure forms, and carbon is a major constituent of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Carbon generally forms four covalent bonds with other atoms in larger molecules. Atomic number 6; atomic weight 12.011; sublimation point above 3,500°C; boiling point 4,827°C; specific gravity of amorphous carbon 1.8 to 2.1, of diamond 3.15 to 3.53, of graphite 1.9 to 2.3; valence 2, 3, 4.

2. See Periodic Table

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carbon Cultural  

1. A chemical element; its symbol is C. The carbon nucleus has six protons and six or more neutrons; six electrons are in orbit around the carbon nucleus. (See hydrocarbons and organic molecules (see also organic molecule).)

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Discover More

Carbon forms the basis for all living tissue.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• noncarbon
  noun
• carbonless
  adjective
• carbonous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• carbons
  plural

Etymology

Origin of carbon

1780–90; < French carbone, coinage based on Latin carbōn- (stem of carbō ) charcoal

Explanation

Carbon is an element that takes the solid form of either graphite or diamond. Carbon is one of the basic elements of any living thing. Carbon is known as the most essential element for life, and it's the second most abundant — after oxygen — in the human body. Carbon paper was an early method of making copies, using a sheet of paper coated with wax and, originally, carbon soot. The copy that results from writing or typing on paper that's placed on top, with a blank page beneath the carbon paper, is called a carbon copy. The Latin root of carbon is carbonem, "charcoal."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

carbon carbons

Chief Executive Scott Griffin is also looking into solar and carbon markets.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

He noted that research shows reservoirs, when first constructed and filled, release some carbon dioxide as plants decompose underwater.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

Chief Executive Liz Westcott said the review reflected a shift in international policy positions and slack demand for lower carbon ammonia.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

"Once it is cut up by deep ruts, the water balance can be altered for years degrading habitat and reducing carbon storage," she said.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Akira and her mom had come here from California—by train, to reduce their carbon footprint—so Akira could experience the rally in person.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

"It's very unusual to find a sterol with 30 carbons," Shawar says.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 27, 2026

Going shorter than four carbons resulted in an IL that didn't mix well with oil and was less thermally stable, he added.

From Science Daily ● May 2, 2024

Energy Information Administration, the global supply of crude oil, other liquid carbons, and biofuels is expected to meet global demand through 2050.

From Seattle Times ● May 5, 2023

A particular ceramide’s character depends on the size of its acyl tail, a portion of the molecule that can contain from 12 to more than 26 carbons.

From Science Magazine ● Mar. 15, 2023

“Those other carbons, the other suspects you’re supposed to test and retire. I know them all.”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

Related Words

• graphite
• soot