carb

¹ American  

[kahrb] / kɑrb /

noun

1. carbohydrate.

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verb (used without object)

1. to eat large quantities of carbohydrates before a major physical exertion in order to store up energy (usually followed byup ).

   Some marathon runners carb up on spaghetti the night before a race.

carb ² American  

[kahrb] / kɑrb /

noun

Informal.

1. a carburetor.

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carb- ³ American  

1. variant of carbo- before a vowel.

   carbazole.

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carb British  

/ kɑːb /

noun

1. short for carburettor

2. short for carbohydrate

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Usage

What does carb- mean? The combining form carbo- is used like a prefix meaning “carbon.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in chemistry.The form carbo- ultimately comes from Latin carbō, meaning “charcoal.” Yes, charcoal. The dishes carbonara and carbonade are also related to the Latin carbō.The Greek translation of Latin carbō is ánthrax, “charcoal” or “carbuncle,” which is the source of the word anthrax. Find out more at our entry for the word.What are variants of carb-?The form carb- is a variant of carbo-, which loses its -o- when combined with words or word elements beginning with vowels. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article for carbo-.

Etymology

Origin of carb¹

By shortening of carbohydrate

Origin of carb¹

First recorded in 1950–55; by shortening

Example Sentences

At a recent public hearing, CARB’s Pedro Peterson, manager of the climate data reporting section, encouraged companies to set firm goals.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the carb factor, a simple water cracker or a whole wheat cracker plus a more seasoned, flavorful bread like a crostini or Triscuit will add a nice variety.

From Salon

“We’ve been taking climate change seriously for many years,” said John Balmes, a professor emeritus at UC Berkeley who also serves as CARB’s physician board member.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s because CARB’s reporting is integrated with cap-and-trade, California’s signature climate program that sets limits on greenhouse gas emissions and allows large polluters to buy and sell unused emission allowances at quarterly auctions.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Padi has put her daughter on a low carb diet, but still struggles to maintain her weight.

From BBC