activated carbon

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a form of carbon having very fine pores: used chiefly for adsorbing gases or solutes, as in various filter systems for purification, deodorization, and decolorization.

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activated carbon British  

noun

1. Also called: activated charcoal, active carbon. a porous highly adsorptive form of carbon used to remove colour or impurities from liquids and gases, in the separation and extraction of chemical compounds, and in the recovery of solvents

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Etymology

Origin of activated carbon

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

activated carbon

Many standard approaches rely on adsorption, meaning the chemicals stick to materials such as activated carbon or ion-exchange resins.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 25, 2025

In early 2024, media reported that Nestle Waters, which also owns the Vittel and Contrex brands, had used banned processes to improve its quality, including ultraviolet treatment and activated carbon filters.

From Barron's ● Nov. 18, 2025

The water will go through various stages of treatment, passing through activated carbon filters and reverse-osmosis membranes, as well as undergoing disinfection with UV light, among other treatments.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2023

Filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes can remove the compounds.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 5, 2023

Officials in the Ohio city of Steubenville detected butyl acrylate in its water, but added they would remove it from the river using powder activated carbon.

From Salon ● Apr. 11, 2023