carbon

[kahr-buhn]

noun

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.

adjective

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

   to reduce carbon emissions.

carbon

/ 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

carbon

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

carbon

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).)

Carbon forms the basis for all living tissue.

Other Word Forms

• carbonless adjective
• noncarbon noun
• carbonous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon¹

C18: from French carbone, from Latin carbō charcoal, dead or glowing coal

Example Sentences

The 2024 fires released an estimated 791 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which roughly equates to the annual emissions of Germany.

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Deadwood-decomposing fungi feed germinating orchids, providing the carbon their tiny seeds don't have.

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They can be used to extract water from desert air, capture carbon dioxide, or store toxic gases.

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At that point, the Conservatives were still committed to the goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 - a legal change brought in by another Tory leader, Theresa May, in 2019.

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E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, two of the most damaging elements in tobacco smoke.

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Related Words

• graphite 
• soot